1st century Christianity in the 21st century
On the western shore of the Dead Sea, on Jebel Usdum (the Hill of Sodom), is a pillar of salt known as Lot’s wife. Is it her? I don’t know. What I know is that there is a lesson about faith and obedience to learn from her.
Lot’s family were warned,
Continue reading “A Pillar of Salt: A Warning from Lot’s Wife”Escape for your life! Do not look behind you… (Genesis 19:17)
It is a common perception in the religious world that for one to be healed, she or he must have adequate faith. I’m sure this false idea has allowed many fake healers to save face when their hypnotic ad-vantage over a would-be recipient has failed. And as sure as it has been a refuge for the charlatan, it has no doubt been the breaking point in the faith of those accused of failing to believe in God’s power.
Continue reading “He Had Faith To Be Healed”
Jesus warned His disciples that persecution would come because of the word. Being arrested and bound for preaching the truth was not a possibility, it would be a reality. Jesus said,
Continue reading “God’s Word Cannot Be Bound – Even When God’s People Are”…when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 14:11)
The Old Testament book of Esther records events which were in the days of the Persian empire. The book begins with details about Queen Vashti failing to heed the voice of king Ahasuerus when he called her to his presence. Her disrespect resulted in her being put away (1:19) and the king sought another wife for himself.
Women from throughout the region were taken to the palace and prepared to come before the king. Among them was Esther, the neice of Jewish man by the name of Mordecai.
Continue reading “The Providence of God in the book of Esther”Rain, rain go away,
Come again another day,
Billy wants to go out to play.
I’m sure many of us sang this cute little ditty as a child when the rain kept us from going outside to play. The weather has an impact on our lives each day. Weather determines what we will wear. It will affect whether an event is able to go on as planned or needs to be postponed. Changes in both mental (mood) and physical (ie. Arthritis) health can be attributed to the weather. Let’s consider some things found in the Bible with regard to weather.
Continue reading “Seasons Come & Go – Trust in God Who Never Changes”
I’ve heard a good friend and fellow preacher say from time to time that he knows a little Greek. And then, the punch line comes, “He owns a great little restaurant down the street.” All joking aside, I know that he, like all preachers, would like to be more familiar with the Greek, the language the New Testament was originally penned in.
Continue reading “Checking The Greek: Insights from the Original New Testament Language”
How did Peter find out that Jesus was the Messiah? Matthew 16:16-17 says that God revealed it to Him, but John 1:40-41 says that Andrew told him. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “How did Peter know Jesus was Messiah? Answering the Atheist.”
As the Olympic torch made its way through the streets of Vancouver just hourrs before the opening ceremony of the winter games, huge crowds of Canadians spontaneously burst into song. The song of choice, “O Canada.”
Certainly, I have nothing against the song – I am a Canadian. I have sung “O Canada” several times in my life, and I expect to sing it several more, if the Lord continues to provide me with life and breath. However, I am curious at my fellow countrymen who sing our anthem with national pride, but fail to give glory to God, whom they petition, saying, “…God keep our land, glorious and free.”
Continue reading ““…God keep our land, glorious and free…” Do Canadians truly mean this petition?”
The 2010 Olympics will begin in Vancouver BC. Several television networks from around the world will be broadcasting the Games. CTV provides coverage in Canda. Canadian Olympians want to quickly lose the stigma of seldom winning gold on home soil. Over the past year, CTV ran an ad campaign entitled, “Do You Believe,” focusing on Canada’s athletes, their training and their Olympic dreams. It has been an interesting campaign and has certainly captured my interest. I applaud CTV.
Continue reading “Faith in the LORD and His Word: Do You Believe?”
The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. “(2 Corinthians 4:16)
As the apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth, it was with the intent to encourage those who are struggling with difficulties in this life. Of course, he was not immune to trials. He revealed in his letter to the church at Corinth that he was
Continue reading “Being Renewed Day By Day: Pursuing Spiritual Growth And Transformation”