As events in this world move along at a rapid pace, thereās an ever-growing interest in prophecy. We donāt want to get into the position of forcing parts of prophecy to come together to fit like a puzzle, but to take what is revealed to us by God, progressively putting them together to make an image that is factual according to scripture, not an interpretation of man. Ā Peter is a particularly good place to start: "Ā knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private … [Read more...] about Prophecy’s Relevance Today
Jesus Christ
God’s Governmental Requirement
Dean William R. Inge is credited with saying, āA good government remains the greatest of human blessings, and no nation has ever enjoyed it.ā Just to clarify, the human blessings he refers to are of human origin and therefore flawed. Flawed people devise flawed governments that we, the citizenry, are the beneficiaries thereof. What should be our attitude and posture toward the civil authorities that occupy public office above us? Only about 20% of Americans, according to Pew Research Center, … [Read more...] about God’s Governmental Requirement
Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
As followers of God, we have chosen to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. There are two main ways for us to measure our spiritual growth ā motivation and action. Motivation is the internal desire to grow, to change, to accept Godās perspectives and motivations in all aspects of our lives. Action is a literal external behavioral change - the evidence of that motivation. It is a change that can be perceived and observed in our daily lives. All motivation and actions are … [Read more...] about Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
Misunderstood Authority?
The subject of authority is a difficult one because of the many negative applications we see around us. Itās primary association with power, clashes with the natural human desire for autonomy. In our present day, the subject of authority is often confused with authoritarianism and the abuse of power, which creates a negative perception. Authority is a vital ingredient for godly living, and it is therefore important for us to be clear minded about what it is and what it is not. … [Read more...] about Misunderstood Authority?
The Proverb 31 Woman
The Proverbs 31 woman is powerful, dynamic, wise, enterprising, hardworking, hospitable, gracious, affectionate and capable. She is a magnetic character. She is in every way her husbandās equal, with the same potential to be a member of the God family. She will have glory, power and capacity. She obeys God in the role in which He placed her. She deploys all her creative power, all her capability as a help suitable for her husband and children (Proverbs 31:10-31). Thatās what Christ does for God … [Read more...] about The Proverb 31 Woman
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 ā a story that connects us to something bigger than we are. Aristotle observed, āWhen the storytelling in a culture goes bad, the result is decadence.ā We see all around us the result of the collapse of mankindās 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
Death and Beyond
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