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
Gospel
The Gospel: God’s Plan for Mankind
The Gospel is a message of hope and encouragement that highlights Godâs love and mercy for everything He has created. It emphasizes His desire for the creation, the earth and all its inhabitants to dwell in peace and harmony with Him. It also highlights that God is actively working out His plan to add children to His family. His plan is fulfilled yet in the future when His Kingdom is once again established over all the creation and all beings who are willingly led by Him. The Gospel can be … [Read more...] about The Gospel: God’s Plan for Mankind
The Gospel: A Message of Hope
Our world could use some good news. It seems for most people that their hope is that we will âget through thisâ and things will get better. But that doesnât seem to be happening. Unfortunately, man is unaware that his path is being directed by an evil being who does not plan for things to get better. There is simply a growing sense of hopelessness because positive expectations are not being met. God did not create man to live in a hopeless world. He created man to have a relationship with … [Read more...] about The Gospel: A Message of Hope
The Gospel: The Good News of Salvation
The message of the Bible could be considered the message of salvation. The Bible introduces us to a perfect creation. We are told that in Godâs estimation it was âvery good.â God rebuilt this perfect earthly environment out of the destruction caused by Satanâs rebellion. The pinnacle of His work was man â made in Godâs own image and created to have a relationship with the Creator. God was intent on transforming man into His image and nature spiritually to add children to His eternal … [Read more...] about The Gospel: The Good News of Salvation
The Gospel: The Kingdom of God
The world has been successively ruled by kingdoms. From a biblical perspective we see this clearly outlined by Daniel as he explains to the Babylonian king the contents of the kingâs dream. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, âFor the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and gloryâ (Daniel 2:37). There were to be three similar kingdoms to follow the Babylonian kingdom. The progress of the dreamâs revelation ends with a future fifth kingdom â the Kingdom of God. âAnd in the days of … [Read more...] about The Gospel: The Kingdom of God
How the Church Grows
Just how does the Church, the Body of Christ, grow? As with any living body, to survive, it must grow, or die. We know that the beginning of the Church occurred on the Day of Pentecost, however, once born, how did it grow? God calls individuals and no one can come to Him unless God draws him. However, the body of Christ has a vital role to play in making disciples. The book of Acts is a history of the spreading of the gospel. With concrete examples it documents how the Church expanded. By … [Read more...] about How the Church Grows
Are You Anchored?
Years ago, I worked as a Project Assistant for the Arizona Game and Fish Department on a trout habitat below Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. We arrived by boat near the diversion tunnels at the base of the dam, and as he jumped out, my boss wrapped the rope around a large rock. After working a while, I went back for supplies. Climbing over a rock outcropping, I panicked! The rope had come loose, and the current was rapidly pulling the boat downstream. I took a gigantic leap for it. … [Read more...] about Are You Anchored?