Last week’s lesson looked at Living for God, and we specifically focused on suffering. The emphasis was not that Christians live with a martyr complex, but that faithfulness to Christ, worshipping Christ, and spreading the Good News about Christ will inevitably draw the ire of our eternal enemy. While this week’s lesson focuses on Suffering for Chr
“God wants me to be happy.” Have you heard that before? Have you said that before? A growing discontent, resident in more modern pop-culture Christianity, seems more willing to “justify” engaging in ethical and intellectual immorality with the rationalism of “happiness.” But the question needs to be asked: “To what end?” What is the end-game or end
In today’s culture, households are usually either hierarchical or egalitarian institutions. Unfortunately, when some read the New Testament (NT) they misunderstand and misappropriate the divinely inspired counsel overemphasizing either of these modern notions of society. One concept that is misunderstood and misused is the concept of submission. Th
One of the significant issues in theology that rarely gets addressed is how Christians should relate to the Old Testament also known as the Hebrew Bible (HB).[1] Some people say Jesus came, so that the OT could be done away with, but that can’t be since Jesus and the apostles quote from, point to, submit to, and exalt the Revelation of God that w
Years ago, I read a book entitled How to Read A Book by Mortimer J. Adler. In addition to solidifying my developing approach to learning to listen well in any genre of literature, it reminded me of the great gulf between any author and reader. Contrary to popular thinking, the inspiration of the Bible doesn’t mean the Bible dropped from the
Peter’s journey with Jesus displays a pivotal aspect of discipleship: growing in faith. In fact, in his second letter, Peter makes this point (2 Peter 1:5–7). Like a diamond, there are facets of faith, that move us from unbelief (absence or rejection of belief) to disbelief (unwillingness, or inability to believe that something is the case) to a li
A fond word in our so-called Post-modern age is “Relevance.” One way to understand this phenomenon is to see as one of its underlying tenets, that somehow what we already have is in a certain sense antiquated, or more benignly culturally inappropriate. With the advent of a highly technological society of smartphones, hybrid electric cars, touch scr
“Are you saved?” was the question I received at a bus stop from a man who was handing out Bible tracts. It seemed like a matter that demanded so many prerequisites that it was at once bewildering and at the same time confrontational. It reminded of a problem in Corinth that Paul had to address. Imagine with me if you went to church and someone came
Problematic Prayers As I was reading about the Prosperity Gospel[1] and how the Christian message is being distorted into an individualistic, selfish mantra for personal gain and growth, it occurred to me that this happens because of a misunderstanding of the Person and purposes of the Spirit of God, the mishandling of the Word of God, and/or a pra
The biblical books of Hebrews and Revelation give ample content on the ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary. Having said that, it may seem ironic to suggest looking at the Hebrew Bible (OT) to uncover some practical implications of a sanctuary focused life. Yet, the title of this short essay proposes a double entendre, in Exodus 25:8 the ear
