Humans Don’t Just Believe — We Act Every human being operates through a built-in pattern: we think, we act, and we evaluate. Cognitive scientists describe this as a feedback loop, the mechanism through which people learn skills, solve problems, and grow in expertise. But this loop doesn’t just shape careers or competencies. It also shapes how people live out their beliefs — or fail to. And this is where the Bible enters the picture. Scripture presents faith not as mental agreement, but as … [Read more...] about Cognitive Science & Scripture Reveal a Pattern for Spiritual Growth
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How Hell Got Hijacked       Â
The Hell You Know Isn’t the Hell the Bible Describes Fiery pits. Demons with pitchforks. Sinners screaming in endless agony.It’s the stuff of horror movies, comic strips – and, for many, Sunday sermons. But is this disturbing picture of hell really what the Bible teaches? Surprisingly, the modern concept of hell owes more to Greek philosophy, medieval literature, and church tradition than to Scripture. The idea of eternal conscious torment, souls burning forever in fire, was imported into … [Read more...] about How Hell Got Hijacked       Â
Did Jesus Fulfill the Law—or God’s Instruction?
And What’s the Distinction? Most Christians who have heard that Jesus “fulfilled the law,” have often taken it to mean He completed its purpose—checked it off—and therefore believers are no longer bound by it. It’s one of the most widely accepted ideas in Christianity today. Yet few realize that this conclusion doesn’t come from the original text at all. It comes from shifting meanings through translation. When we read “law,” our minds picture statutes, restrictions, and courtroom … [Read more...] about Did Jesus Fulfill the Law—or God’s Instruction?
Three Choices: Good, Evil, or Life
Author Steven Covey states what distinguishes us as humans is the ability to examine our own character, to choose how to view ourselves and the situations in which we find ourselves, and to control our own effectiveness. This is important because it implies that we can learn the art of ethical behavior and apply it to life’s circumstances. He says “We are not our feelings. We are not our moods. We are not even our thoughts. The very fact that we can think about these things separates us from … [Read more...] about Three Choices: Good, Evil, or Life
The 3rd Commandment
God has provided us with some very clear directives as to how a relationship with Him is to be developed. It is summarized in the first four commandments. My focus will be on the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). That’s some fairly strong language. It places a very high value on the use of God name. That gives us an idea of the seriousness of the commandment. But there … [Read more...] about The 3rd Commandment
Death Without Fear
The concept of resurrection from the dead is a continuous theme throughout the Bible. Jesus, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was the first to be resurrected. Then during Pentecost, we are reminded of God’s plan involving several distinct periods of time in which He works to bring humanity to salvation, to eternal life. Those are pictured by small and large harvests. Then on the Day of Trumpets, we are reminded about what is called the first resurrection of all those who are Christ’s at … [Read more...] about Death Without Fear
Who Controls You?
Some people are able to lead others minds, controlling the direction of thought without them even knowing the trap they are falling into. Many do not recognize that shrewd deception and tactics are being used to gain control of their thinking and behavior. Personally, I think the subject of control is a serious subject and one we all need to understand. What is a controlling spirit? How do we recognize elements of that spirit that may be in our lives? How do we deal with others that may try … [Read more...] about Who Controls You?