The problem for mankind since Adam and Eve’s fall is “self” replacing the centrality of God in their minds and therefore actions. When we consider the self-centeredness common to all of us, it is hard to imagine what it was like to always have God rather than self enthroned in the heart. We are all…
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KINGDOM JUSTICE
“Lord, teach us to pray,” Jesus’ disciples said, and for the second time, he taught what is today commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. With the prayer he gave instruction to avoid hypocritical attention seeking and meaningless rote repetition; yet, he said to offer the prayer at least daily. Noteworthy is the substantial emphasis placed on…
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The Big Picture
Going out my front door in winter, I see what looks like an upright bundle of prickly sticks, about fifteen feet tall. If I'd never seen such a growth before, I could wonder why such a scraggly looking monstrosity is planted in my front yard! But I know what will happen in the near future.…
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Seek Yahweh: Who Was, Who Is, and Who Is to Come
Revelation is the last book of the New Testament canon. This book, written by the Apostle John, could have been written as late as 90 AD. There are no known Hebrew versions of it from the first 1,500 years of the Christian church; yet, Hebraic understanding of the name of God, Yahweh, can be seen…
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The Better Life
When we accept God’s redemption through the lordship of Christ, we receive a new and much better life. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 succinctly states this new life. For the love of Christ controls [constrains or compels] us, having concluded this, that one [Jesus] died for all, therefore all died [the old you]; and He died for…
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God’s Design, Your Righteous Body
To become Christ-like, a process of change transforms us from the domain of the old man inner nature to the realm of a whole new inner man of Christ’s character. This becomes what we as Christians so desire to be – like Christ in our heart, soul, mind, and strength – so that it becomes…
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Unconditional Love vs. Always Nice
Recently, a pastor posted an article about how he would treat his kids if they turned out to be gay. His four promises to them were: he won’t keep his kids’ sexuality a secret, he’ll pray for them (but not for God to change them), he’ll love them, and he accepts that if they turn…
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Saints or Sinners
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m just a sinner saved by grace”? The phrase has two main purposes: either we use it to express humility or to excuse our behavior. But, did you know that Scripture nowhere calls Christ’s followers sinners? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about sinners in order…
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Grace
The definition of “grace” is unmerited (undeserved and unearned) but freely given love and favor of God toward man. To appreciate the full significance of grace requires diligent study of the Scriptures, prayer, thoughtful meditation, and life experience. The Epistle of Ephesians provides a good starting point. Ephesians 1:1 and 2 - Paul, an apostle…
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Is God’s Name “I Am?”
Growing up, one of my all-time favorite movies was (and still is) The Ten Commandments directed by the legendary director, Cecil B DeMille. While this movie is an epic rendition of the story of Moses, the writer’s handling of the name of God is quite unique and offers insight into modern thought regarding this subject.…
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Yahweh’s Eternal Desire
The understanding for life, human history, and the future of humanity is centered in discerning Yahweh’s eternal desire for His creation. His purpose for the ages starts to unfold with Israel as is succinctly expressed in a few verses: Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall…
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