The Puzzle of the Spiritual Kingdom "The Kingdom of God is in your heart." It's a common phrase in modern Christianity. For many, the Kingdom of God is something abstract, something internal, or something to be experienced only in a far-off, post-death heaven. But when you read the Bible with fresh eyes, especially the words of Jesus and the apostles, another picture emerges: a real, physical Kingdomâon Earth. So why the disconnect? The answer lies, in part, in the powerful influence of … [Read more...] about From Concrete to Cloudy: How Gnosticism Reshaped the Christian Hope
Eternal Life
A Mind Fit for Eternity
God has always worked with flawed people. From David's contrite heart to Moses' reluctant leadership, from Abraham's faithful obedience to Peter's impulsive loyaltyâperfection was never the requirement. But a willingness to follow, to grow, and to be changed, that is something God can work with. So what is it that makes one person "fit" for eternal life, and another not? Is it simply belief? Is it good behavior? Or is there something deeper happening in the minds and hearts of those who … [Read more...] about A Mind Fit for Eternity
The Nature of Christ
Jesus Christ is possibly the most maligned, misunderstood, and misrepresented human that ever walked the earth. To say that Christ is the Head of the Church is scripturally correct. But what do we have in our mind when we say that? What do we actually think of in terms of His Headship of the Church is concerned? I think it is important to review some aspects of the nature of Christ beginning with some of the larger issues: Within the Christian Churches today there are people who … [Read more...] about The Nature of Christ
Salvation: Whoâs In and Whoâs Out
One key element of modern Christianity is the concept of salvation. It is often at the center of endless theological debatesâsalvation by works versus salvation by faith, the question of whether one can lose salvation, or the doctrine of âonce saved, always saved.â These debates ultimately narrow down to a singular, anxiety-laden question: Are you saved? This approach often feeds off fearâthe fear of judgment, the fear of what happens after death, and the fear of being excluded from Godâs … [Read more...] about Salvation: Whoâs In and Whoâs Out
The Truth Will Set You Free?
The truth will set you free! This is a much-used phrase. You find it in Martin Luther Kingâs speeches, inscribed on the headquarters wall of the CIA, and it was used in one of the most recent Marvel movie franchises. I would suggest that this scripture should not be read as superficially. We often hear it used in the sense that knowledge is power, or we can set somebody loose from their bondage if we can enlighten them of their false notions and correct them. … [Read more...] about The Truth Will Set You Free?
God’s Love Story
How would you describe the Word of God, the Bible? History? Knowledge? Information of a spiritual nature? Is it Prophecy? Is it About Law? Is it Stories about keeping or not keeping the Law? Is it a jigsaw puzzle? Godâs Word contains all of these elements, but as a whole what does it all mean? What is the substance of the Bible? In written form, it reads like a Love Story from beginning to end. Itâs about the God familyâs love for each other, for … [Read more...] about God’s Love Story
Benefits of Parental Love
There is an article on FocusOnTheFamily.com which lists five benefits of parental love. The five benefits and descriptions are listed below and I would like to apply them to our families and to our spiritual lives. Spiritual Growth Love is a physical need for children. When children receive and learn to give love, they wonât be as thirsty for love from people outside the family. The authentic love of parents helps children develop an identity as a beloved child of God, one who has the … [Read more...] about Benefits of Parental Love