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
God's Plan
Our Old Man
In assessing the many aspects of the body of Christ, the thing that stands out to me is that we have a personal responsibility to the body. We cannot sidestep that. We could summarize that responsibility as: âBut the manifestation of the Spirit (or the fruit or the expression of the Spirit) is given to each one for the profit of all:â (1 Corinthians 12:7). To be able to express the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), obviously one must first have it. This is where our individual … [Read more...] about Our Old Man
The Collapse of Justice
Our problems with justice today began with those entrusted with judgment in ancient Israel. They rejected Godâs moral authority over them. They made the law void. The problem continues to this day in that Godâs moral authority is also rejected by those entrusted to uphold it now. The Enlightenment, a movement in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, promoted reason and reason alone as the method of obtaining truth. Nietzsche, a man famous for saying God is dead … [Read more...] about The Collapse of Justice
Godly Justice
Administering justice is a major theme of the Bible. King David administered justice to all his people (2 Samuel 8:15). Indeed, God expects His people to administer justice: "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?" (1 Corinthians 6.2-3). So that is the question: Do you and I practice justice … [Read more...] about Godly Justice
The Times of the Gentiles
The prophet Amos informed us that âGod doesnât do anything without first revealing His secrets to His servants the prophetsâ (Amos 3:7). Since Godâs plan of salvation is central to messages of prophecy, it is important to look at the writings of the prophets within the context of any section of scripture. Doing so tells us why a particular thing was said. The knowledge imparted by prophecy is meant to be very motivational to those who are or who will be in a relationship … [Read more...] about The Times of the Gentiles
The Cycle of Dysfunctional Families
It is sad to read so often of people who see no purpose in living. At the point in time, when they should be rejoicing in their youth, even many teenagers see no purpose in living. No doubt, mind-altering substances are often involved. However, often, the state of mind that has led to a young personâs suicide is a result of relationship issues. Sense of worth is developed within a family that functions in a manner designed by God. Such a family will have a structure created by the family … [Read more...] about The Cycle of Dysfunctional Families
Is Jesus God?
Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for our sins in our stead. He sacrificed Himself that all humanity might be reconciled to God the Father. Reconciliation is necessary because our sins have separated us from God: âBehold, the LORDâs hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hearâ (Isaiah 59:1â2). However, if Jesus was only human, … [Read more...] about Is Jesus God?