While we all know something about living a physical life, it is important to gain an understanding of death and what is beyond. Paul's perspective in I Corinthians 15:19-26 is very enlightening: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death [through Adam], by Man [Christ] also came the resurrection of the dead. For as … [Read more...] about Death and Beyond
God's Plan
China and Russia in Prophecy
There is a lot of talk today about a new world order. The world’s attention has been drawn to two major political powers, China and Russia. Each power has geopolitical ambitions. An article in Foreign Affairs, “How Fear of China is Forging a New World Order” states: “As China seeks to burn down what remains of the liberal order, disparate actors are starting to roll back Beijing’s power. In the process they are reordering the world. For the first time since the cold war, … [Read more...] about China and Russia in Prophecy
The Master Potter
The Hebrew word for clay is ‘chomer’ which means as bubbling up. That is of water, a wave, of earth, mire, or clay, like cement or mortar. Moses wrote that God formed man out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2.7) The Hebrew word for dust means clay, earth, mud, ashes, dust, ground, mortar, powder and, rubbish. Water is a factor since mud consists of water and clay. So even after God breathed life into Adam, he was and we are today, just living dirt and water. In Isaiah 64: 8 God … [Read more...] about The Master Potter
Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
The observance of the seven Days of Unleavened Bread are intended to increase the understanding of God’s way and His plan of salvation. Interestingly, there were monumental events that occurred on the seventh day during the history of the ancient nation of Israel. Paul recites two major events in the book of Hebrews: “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled … [Read more...] about Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
When Pentecost Arrived
A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explained by natural or scientific laws and therefore attributed to the work of a divine agency, a work of God. After His resurrection, Christ commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem “until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 ESV). Interestingly, several miracles "from power on high" took place on that Day of Pentecost. The first miracle was a sound like a “mighty rushing wind” (Acts 2:1-2). It was startling. … [Read more...] about When Pentecost Arrived
Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
We are subjected to all kinds of tests throughout our lifetime. Some are routine, but others are unavoidable, deeply personal tests: peer pressure, emotional suffering, financial upheaval, and temptation. With a fear of failure, we usually don’t consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is … [Read more...] about Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
Is Christ Your King?
When Christ returns, every human ruler will be dethroned and every idol will be dismantled. We who have already accepted Christ’s dominion look forward to that time. But do we really see our King clearly? The first commandment prohibits idolatry and reinforces God’s primary rule over all things. But throughout the history of God’s people putting God first has been a continuous struggle. In 1446 B.C. the Israelites, having come out of Egypt witnessing God’s miracles, lost sight of Moses and … [Read more...] about Is Christ Your King?