When you think about it, the Israelites went through an intense program of redirecting their entire lives through the events of their exodus from Egypt. After a lengthy period of living in Egypt they went from “the people multiplied and grew very mighty” to “the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor.” The bondage of Egypt was mind destroying – at least as far as knowledge of God and His way was concerned. Did God cause this grievous situation of slavery to make a point for … [Read more...] about The Red Sea and Beyond
Growing
Character Is All That’s Left
It’s worth taking some time to look at what we know about the creation and what the Bible tells us about where it’s going. What really is real and what is not. What is lasting and what is temporary. In the beginning God created a physical infrastructure in order to create a family in His image and likeness. That creation is 13.8 billion years old, and two of the four main forces at work are gravity and electromagnetism. Gravity is very weak and needs a lot of mass, rocks, molten iron, etc., … [Read more...] about Character Is All That’s Left
Three Judgment Periods
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
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 “prodigal”, living. There are important lessons to be learned when we view the parable from a certain … [Read more...] about Viewpoints from the Prodigal Son
Thankfulness: Antidote for Dissatisfaction
There is one subject where practically everyone in the world is in agreement. That is the idea that “everybody else has it better than I do!” Who doesn’t know someone for whom things are not going “better” than for me? Even though, in the western world, we live in one of the most prosperous societies that has ever existed on the face of the earth, many people still have a problem with greed – not only greed but also with being envious of what other people have. There is a huge problem in … [Read more...] about Thankfulness: Antidote for Dissatisfaction
Peace, Peace but There is No Peace
Peace is something that we all desire, seek and want. During the Christmas season, one of the tag lines of the holiday is “let there be peace on earth.” But regardless of how hard the governments of man and individuals work for peace -- it is elusive. Why is that? One of the reasons peace is so elusive is the way power is used and where it is focused. In general, there are two approaches to the use of power. One use of power leads to strife, conflict, and war while the other leads to peace. … [Read more...] about Peace, Peace but There is No Peace