God instructed Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he did eat, God said the consequences would be that dying, you shall die. In time, both Adam and Eve, did eat the fruit, and so death entered the world. Ever since then, humanity has been cursed with a physical death. The question came up soon after: what happens after death? Throughout history, man has developed many different explanations and ideas related to what happens after … [Read more...] about God of the Living
Feasts of God
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
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 âuntil you are clothed with power from on highâ (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 âmighty rushing windâ (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 donât consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. âTest 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
Our Job
We all have a job. At some stage in life, day after day, we work. Yet sometimes the daily repetition can turn into a blur of years in or outside the home. For 18 long years, I sat in the basement of a hospital, all alone, and programmed a computer to run the air conditioning. I wondered, how did my repetitious work fit into our calling? "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of … [Read more...] about Our Job
The Impact of the Passover
We can know from careful Bible study the actual Passover is an annual event, not weekly. Itâs a much more serious occasion. It is the beginning of Godâs plan. Without it, we could go no further. For ancient Israel, the Passover made possible their release from bondage. Later, when God delivered the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, after a tremendous audio-visual show, He reminded Israel that it was He who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 19:17-19, 20:1-2). This event was just a physical … [Read more...] about The Impact of the Passover
God Values Small Things
It had been some years since Cyrus, King of Persia, granted right-of-return to the original Jewish refugees. Zerubbabel had laid the foundation and built the altar, but the work rebuilding the Holy Temple in Jerusalem had stalled. Finally, King Darius initiated new momentum. Zechariah was sent with a special message to inspire renewed efforts. And that message has special meaning for the Church: âMoreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: âThe hands of Zerubbabel have laid the … [Read more...] about God Values Small Things