The Apostle Paul outlines, in his letter to the Hebrews, the doctrines or principles of the teachings of Christ and he concludes the list with the doctrine of eternal judgment (Hebrews 6: 1-2). One of the most astounding truths revealed in the Bible, though not widely understood, is that God is not trying to save the entire world now. However, the Bible also shows us that all of mankind will have a chance for salvation. But if God is not trying to save the world now, how can all of humanity … [Read more...] about Three Judgment Periods
Categories
Viewpoints from the Prodigal Son
The parable of the prodigal son, which is found in only one gospel account (Luke 15), appears to be a simple story of redemption. After a son wastes his inheritance and finds himself in a hopeless, oppressive situation, he comes to himself, returns to his father, and enjoys a joyous reception. The parable acquired its name from the one son who fell into extravagant and reckless, or âprodigalâ, living. There are important lessons to be learned when we view the parable from a certain … [Read more...] about Viewpoints from the Prodigal Son
The Importance of Godly Respect
Job made an interesting observation when he was answering his friendsâ accusations as to why so many bad things had happened to him. âA lamp is despised to the thought of one who is at ease; it is made ready for those whose feet slipâ (Job 12:5). While the structure of this verse might at first appear confusing, it is simply warning of the dangers of being âat ease.â It is a mental/spiritual condition of being self-satisfied. The connection between being at ease and feet slipping is made in … [Read more...] about The Importance of Godly Respect
The Family
In May of 1992, former US President George Bush Sr. shared with the nation a firmly held belief: âGovernment cannot solve all the problems. We may be able to make good laws, but itâs never been able to make good men. That doesnât come from Big Brother. It comes from your family. It comes from your mother and father. And Iâm talking about the moral sense that must guide us all. In the simplest terms, Iâm talking about knowing whatâs wrong and doing whatâs right.â What the former president … [Read more...] about The Family
As A Little Child
In a family relationship, children play an important role and help contextualize the meaning of Godâs government in the realm of human beings. We all understand, academically, that we are children of God, but adults think, reason, and act differently than children do. This is the natural progression of maturity. As adults, molded by the realities of life, we tend to value reason and self-reliance. We can also complicate things that are inherently simple, questioning what we see and hear, and … [Read more...] about As A Little Child
Crucible Experiences
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy near the end of his life and said, âI have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.â (2 Timothy 4:7). Once Paul had been called into a relationship with the Father, he had to endure all manner of difficulty and trials. He chronicles some of the difficulties he encountered in the letter he wrote to the brethren at Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). While most of us have never been beaten with whips and rods, shipwrecked, or … [Read more...] about Crucible Experiences
Do We Have an Immortal Soul?
Recently I read a statement made by a major religious denomination based in the United States that surprised me. They wrote, âDivine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the Fall of Adam." What is meant by âsoulâ is not stated, but the belief in the âfall of Adamâ is linked to the belief that man has an immortal soul. The âfall of Adamâ is a widely held belief and without some thought it may seem a reasonable description of what happened in the Garden of Eden. First, we need to … [Read more...] about Do We Have an Immortal Soul?