If there has ever been a group of people that are called upon to use their minds, it is the people of God who have chosen to live His way of life. When I say, âuse our mindsâ, I donât mean human reasoning or logic; there is to be an emphasis on teaching, thinking, and understanding. Many religious systems are devised by men, who very often downplay teaching in favor of rituals. To them, rituals and traditions are what is most important. But true faith requires that we use our … [Read more...] about Digital Distraction
Doctrine
Predestination
Many are working very hard to build a closer relationship with God. We all have ideas and concepts that are not exactly where they need to be. One small step further in this relationship building is to understand better Godâs personal plan for each of us. As individuals we tend to plan out our lives in advance. As we plan, questions arise: Were we, as individuals, chosen before the foundation of the world? Does God plan our life in advance? Has God predetermined our future? We need some … [Read more...] about Predestination
Godâs Origin Story
The Judeo-Christian story, when understood and applied correctly, is not founded on the universe but on the One who created it and the purpose for which He created it. There are many man devised theories of origin of the universe such as the Chinese Pan Gu and the Egg of the World, the Greekâs Titans and Gods of Olympus, the story of the Iroquoisâ Great Turtle Island and the Mayanâs Popol Vuh story, and lastly the Modern Scientific story call the Big History Project. However, God through Paul … [Read more...] about Godâs Origin Story
Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
The New Testament Church began with a bang. We note in the book of Acts that one day 5,000 people were added to the church. Soon after another 3,000 were added. But over time, Satanâs influence sapped some of that initial âfirst loveâ that the Church had when it began. False teachers began to worm their way into the Church. We know this from Christâs words regarding the Churches in Revelation, particularly the Church in Ephesus. It was significant enough for Christ to … [Read more...] about Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
The Value of Scripture
Recently we have been trying to provide a balanced view towards the things that are happening in the world and all of the commentary that goes along with that. And the need to be looking into the word of God a great deal more than perhaps we have been doing. The words that proceed from the mouth of God are critically important; they are not abstract. Notice in Deuteronomy 30: âFor this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in … [Read more...] about The Value of Scripture
God’s Image
Since the beginning of time, there have been many man-devised idols of bizarre appearance. Men have bowed down to the ground before carved stones, wood or even photographs. Man has indeed created many gods, and lords. However, the ideas that mankind have labeled "God" fall far short of the God of the Bible. This God is dynamically alive. He does not allow mankind to decide who He is, what Heâs like or how He is to be worshipped. The Creator God of the Bible has distinct characteristics and a … [Read more...] about God’s Image
The Purpose of the Church
Humanity has lost the story that connects us all. There is a lot of noise, but no context to give life meaning. So, we drift through life without a true meaningful purpose â a story that connects us to something bigger than we are. Aristotle observed, âWhen the storytelling in a culture goes bad, the result is decadence.â We see all around us the result of the collapse of mankindâs story. We have tried to replace it with small, narcissistic stories that have no lasting impact. It has turned us … [Read more...] about The Purpose of the Church