How should we respond to the politics that invade our daily lives in the news, workplace, school and from so many social media platforms? According to Wikipedia which often conveys modern thought regarding a subject: âPolitics (from the Greek word, politikĂĄ, meaning 'affairs of the cities') is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources." This is a well-thought-out … [Read more...] about Politics During Jesus’ Time
Not of this World
Longsuffering
The headline in a recent Wall Street Journal was titled âWar in the Middle East is closer than you think.â It didnât say âmight be closerâ rather âit is closer than you thinkâ. The subhead to that was: âRussia isnât parked, (It has not stopped its development of the war with the Ukraine.) Iran isnât pacified, (itâs going ahead full force with its nuclear program.) and both are coordinating strategies with China.â Russia, Iran, and China are going to become a potent force in the world scene. … [Read more...] about Longsuffering
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
Survivalism
Remember when it seemed as if everyone was planning for the coming zombie apocalypse? It highlighted for me the fascination people have with the collapse of society and prepping for survival. There are serious prophecies about the dark days ahead for the world, but should we be focused on preparing physically? Prepping has, for some, become a false religion called âsurvivalismâ. Itâs fueled by apocalyptic movies, survivalist TV shows, and violent video games. These are especially … [Read more...] about Survivalism
Staying Awake
Are we awake spiritually? Or are we too caught up in our daily tasks? Letâs consider the periods of slumbering and awakening in our lives, and how we can learn to stay awake. Godâs Holy Spirit is active, but our human spirit, the âspirit in manâ (Job 32.8), which makes us each a unique individual, can slumber if we prevent Godâs Spirit from working in us. Just like when we are driving along, mind wandering, and find that weâve lost track of how we got to where we are, so a slumbering spirit … [Read more...] about Staying Awake
Preparing for Spiritual Tests
Think back to when you were in school, and you had a big exam coming up and a lot of studying to do. How did you prepare? Did you make socializing a priority and then need to cram in as much knowledge as you could right before the test? Arriving on test day sweating and nervous? Or did you spend time each day studying and reviewing what you had just learned in class? Able to come into the exam with confidence? God has tests for us, and many can be seen in prophecies about the events leading … [Read more...] about Preparing for Spiritual Tests