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The Old Testament Law given to Moses after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was filled with rituals and sacrifices. All of this was designed to teach God’s people two very basic principles. These principles are fundamental for any civilization that seeks to perpetuate itself. The first principle is to comply with righteous and just rules that transcend human desires. For Israel, this meant they could have the favor, protection and leadings of God if they remained in harmony with His commands. This required sacrifices. The second principle is to live with humble gratitude for the freedoms that righteousness and justice provide. Israel was to learn this power of thankfulness by practicing heart gratitude towards God for all of His mercies. All of this required animal sacrifices. Why?
In the Old Testament, it is hard to avoid animal sacrifices. They first appear in Genesis after Adam and Eve sinned. The Bible tells us God provided them with animal skins as clothing. This would be an obvious reference to the fact that covering humanity’s sins could only be done through a sacrifice. This one example lays out how God would illustrate the need for justice to be satisfied up until Jesus came.
What about the Tabernacle?
When Israel was wandering in the wilderness, God instructed them to build the Tabernacle. This would be their portable place of worship. It would be the place where God’s presence could be felt, and His favor would be evident. It was within this structure that many different kinds of sacrifices took place. There were sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings and wave offerings just to name a few. As we look at this from our 21st century perspective, we wonder why.
What was the point of all these rituals?
This is a really good question. Though detailed, the answer is even better. Let’s start with the sin offering made on the annual Day of Atonement. These were the very basis of all the rest of the sacrifices, as they were in place to satisfy justice, to cover the people’s sins. The sin offering made annually was a specific requirement to maintain God’s favor. Without them, any and all other offerings could not have been acceptable to God. Comprehending the importance of this piece helps us grasp how the other pieces fit into the puzzle.
Check out our November 04, 2024 podcast, “What’s the Difference Between Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings?” for more. We clearly define the how and why of the sin offerings, including what they represented for Christians. We then look into how the burnt offerings are different and what they represent for us as well. Further, we examine what a peace offering is and how it’s given based on these other sacrifices. What we find is a startling explanation that unfolds how God’s plan unfolds through Jesus. The connections are amazing! Join us as we make what sound like complex ancient rituals simple and meaningful! -
Demons are scary. Not only are they mysterious, but they are also powerful beyond our human capacity. In our last episode, we mentioned scriptures that assure us they are restrained in “chains of darkness.” While this condition does limit them, they can still exert great influence on our world - and on individuals as well. We know Jesus cast many demons out of many people and some of his followers were able to do the same. The big question here has to do with whether or not such power and authority is still present within Christianity. Are we supposed to be casting out demons today? If so, who is supposed to be doing this and what scriptural instruction have we been given to follow?
Then and now
Looking through denominational Christian history over the last 1,900 year or so, we can observe a wide range of exorcism practices. From rituals, to prayers, to incense to relics, crosses and commands, these varied practices have widely been in use. The tragedy here is that until recently, there was not a deep understanding of mental health issues. Many of the “exorcisms” performed over the centuries ended up further harming those afflicted people instead of helping them. Looking at this in the most positive way, we see well-meaning efforts creating damage due to medical science ignorance.
How did Jesus do it?
This brings us to the fundamental question about what Jesus’ actual instructions were regarding casting out demons. It is important to note that when he himself cast demons out, it was basic. His command simply brought them out. Every time. Interestingly, all of the other recorded examples of demons being cast out by his followers seem to follow that same pattern of simplicity. We have no record of any rituals, lengthy prayers or ceremony.
An amazing fact is the Greek word for “exorcist” is only used once in the New Testament. It may be surprising that this word actually means “one who binds by an oath (or spell) i.e. by implication an exorcist (conjurer).” This definition of the practice of exorcisms gives us a very different perspective on casting demons out than what Jesus did and taught. The sole use of this word was to describe some Jewish individuals in the Apostle Paul’s day who were in Ephesus. These men were posing as authorities regarding the casting out of demons and had their fraudulence dramatically exposed.
Check out our October 28, 2024 podcast, “Should Christians Be Involved in Exorcisms?” for more. We examine what Jesus instructed his followers to do and thoroughly look into one of the more dramatic examples of Jesus casting out demons. Through this example, we are able to glean an understanding of the powerful principles that cast demons away from their personal manipulation of individuals. We then directly address the question of what our role is and is not regarding demon possession today. Join us for this sobering and enlightening conversation. We follow the biblical path to knowing and handling our current-day Christian responsibilities. -
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The world is such a confused place. For many, discussing evil spirits is fascinating, as looking into dark mysteries beyond our world can be a thrilling and adrenaline-packed ride. For Christians, such conversations are entered into with a fear and respect, as we are speaking of dark and evil things beyond our realm and understanding. It is therefore with caution that we approach this subject. The Bible clearly teaches us that demons do exist, and they are opposed to God and His righteousness. Further, we know this topic is far too easily glorified and dramatized. The specific focus of our present conversation will be to better understand how the Bible defines and separates demonic possession and influence from the serious mental health challenges that are so prevalent today.
Demons are real.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he came across several demon-possessed individuals. In each and every case, the afflicted individual’s life was filled with pain, sadness and hopelessness. In each and every case, Jesus was able to bring relief to their traumatic circumstances by casting the offending demons out of them. Throughout the last 2,000 years of Christian history, Jesus’ followers have countlessly revisited these accounts as faith-strengthening examples of hope. The bottom line here is simple: Demons are real, but the power of God’s spirit through Jesus can always overcome them.
This is all well and good for those who are demon possessed, but what about those who have mental health challenges? In many cases, the “symptoms” of mental health issues are similar to demon possession. This can be confusing. Throughout history many mental health cases have gone undiagnosed and untreated because they were thought to be demon-possessed individuals. This at the very least is tragic. How many people, even today, end up without appropriate treatment because we incorrectly jump to a demon possession conclusion?
Demon possession or mental health challenges?
Fortunately, the Bible shows us that there is a difference between demon possession and mental health issues. Even better, Jesus shows us his compassion and clarity when dealing with such an issue. Many of us have never heard of this aspect of the gospel, but it is right there in black and white. It all has to do with the mental health of a young man whose father begged Jesus for help.
Check out our October 21, 2024 podcast, “Are There Different Kinds of Evil Spirits?” for more. We break down how the Scriptures differentiate between the internal challenges of mental health and the external issues of demons. We examine how Jesus went about healing this suffering person and all of the lessons he left for us to learn as a result. Mental health issues are very serious and are on the rise in our present day. They can be triggered by a wide variety of circumstances. As Christians, we need to understand what to do when confronted with them. Join us as we walk through this often mysterious and sometimes scary world. Learn with us about how to respond with appropriate Christian wisdom and compassion! -
When we read the Bible, it sometimes appears to say things that just don’t make sense. Think about the scripture that plainly says God did not want the Apostle Paul to preach the gospel in Asia. Why not? Jesus told his disciples to preach the word throughout the world. Didn’t Asia count? This apparent discrepancy can stimulate all kinds of questions and even provoke doubt as to the equity of God’s character. The good news is, the answer to all of this is not only sensible, but also profound and inspiring as well. When we understand the lay of the land, the literal geography of the area and the big picture of the mission the disciples were given, a whole new conclusion emerges.
Paul was called to be an evangelist.
When he was converted while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, it was made plain to him that he would bring the gospel before Gentiles and kings. Paul answered this call with a remarkable passion. He would preach. He would stand before anyone and everyone, from the lowest peasant to the highest ruler. Paul would set up churches and expand the cause of Christ. Being told to NOT preach in a specific territory was not a normal - and likely not an expected - command to have to follow.
There are several aspects to this seemingly questionable command. First, it needs to be clarified that the Asia that was “forbidden” in this command was Asia Minor, which was actually a Roman province. This was not the massive continent of Asia that we know today. It is important to realize the gospel would be extremely prominent in this area and Paul would have much to do with the churches founded there.
All of this being said, why was he forbidden to preach?
There’s more. Paul obeyed this command decisively and journeyed north through Asia. As he approached its northern edge, he proposed to leave that province and go into Bithynia and evangelize. He was again forbidden to go there and preach. Now wait a minute! What's happening here? Why is Paul the evangelist seemingly being shut down from what he was called to do? Why were the core desires of his heart to spread the gospel being denied?
Check out our recent podcast, “Why Didn’t Paul Preach in Asia?” for more. We pull all of the pieces of context together and put them in order. We discover the reason for these denials was not to stifle, but to bring a magnificent increase to the work. The bottom line here is all about fulfilling the big picture of the gospel mission. It’s all about Paul being shown that his efforts would be focused and concentrated on those specific things that God wanted him to do at the specific time that God wanted them done. Join us as we take this very straightforward question and unveil a very straightforward scriptural answer! -
By definition, being a Christian is all about following in Jesus’ footsteps. It’s all about learning how to walk the walk and talk the talk that he himself lived. Of course, this is no easy task, as we are challenged with applying the life lessons he taught us 2,000 years ago to the very different lives we live in our present digital age. As different as all of this is, some things are very much the same. Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for his true disciples in heaven is the same. His assurance that God’s spirit would guide us is the same. His alerting us to the trials that come to us because we follow him is the same. Having Christ in us producing the hope of glory is the same. So, what does it mean to have "Christ in you"? Is this an automatic thing that happens when we believe, or is it the end result of a long journey of growth?
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“Tell the truth!” For many of us, we can recall that strongly stated advice as coming from our parents when we were caught doing or saying something that we shouldn’t have. The immediate dilemma was obvious. If I tell the truth, then I’m going to get in trouble. If I lie or just tell a part of the truth, I may get away with it. But what if they found out I lied? Then I might be in even more trouble! While we as adults may look back upon such dilemmas and smile, the reality is, we as Christians must always be on our guard to practice being truthful and having integrity every day and in every way. What does this mean? How are we supposed to handle the countless compromising circumstances of life where half-truths and exaggeration come into play? And what about little white lies?
The Bible is very specific about God’s standards for truthfulness.
The Ninth Commandment tells us to not bear false witness against our neighbor. In the book of Leviticus, we are told to not slander anyone. In Proverbs, “a lying tongue” is on the list of the seven things God hates. Obviously, telling lies should not be on our “things that are okay to do” list, but is it really that easy? Are there ever circumstances were hiding the truth is acceptable or speaking a partial truth is okay? Is it ever okay to be deceptive? And what about exaggeration, is that lying?
Based on all these questions, the challenge of understanding how to apply truth telling in many situations is significant. To complicate things, we can find several instances in the Bible where God Himself advised deception or the telling of a partial truth. Now wait a minute. Why would He do that? Why would our God, who hates lying, appear to contradict that hatred by instructing His people to do these things? The key point here is that, taken out of context, God would appear to be contradicting His own character. He does NOT do that, but He DOES give us specific guidelines and examples to adhere to in very unusual situations.
Check out our September 30, 2024 podcast, “Is It Ever Okay for a Christian to Lie?” for more. We dive into the hard questions using biblical examples of God’s guidance at specific times as a backdrop. What we find is a wide variety of applications of how truth works. Make no mistake, none of these examples in Scripture glorify lies in any way. What they do is they teach us how to detect and understand the nuances of life’s challenges. With this understanding we can apply godly wisdom to help us respond with appropriateness to our experiences. While this is challenging, it is also doable. Join us as we navigate these rough waters of truth telling in a dark and evil world. This episode will make you think, as it lays out biblical principles and direction. -
To many Christians, the fear of an eternal place of torment for unbelievers is very real. In the first four parts of this Hellfire Series, we addressed many of the sources of these fears one at a time. What we have seen is straightforward. First, the concept of "unquenchable fire" comes from the Old Testament and simply means a fire of destruction that burns until its work is done. Second, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” refers to deep regret on the part of those who should know better and has nothing to do with flames and torture. Third, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is just that. It is a parable that demonstrates the unfaithfulness of the Jewish nation when they rejected Jesus. Fourth, history plainly reveals the origin of torture and flames in an afterlife comes from pagan origins and is not at all biblical. Finally, here we are looking at the book of Revelation. Do its graphic statements fit in with all that we have previously discovered? Absolutely!
Sounds scary!
The book of Revelation reveals some pretty ominous descriptions of penalties for ungodly activities. Reading things like, “he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb,” and "the smoke of their torment" in Revelation 14:10 and, “they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” in Revelation 20:10 can easily give us a sense of fear and foreboding. Even though we know Revelation is a book of extremely symbolic language, we need clear explanations. What is really being said here?
The first point to consider may sound simplistic but is necessary when interpreting these texts. That is, Revelation is part of the whole Bible, and its symbols are consistent with the rest of God’s word. Accepting this simple premise allows us to build a solid foundation for true understanding. Let’s take the word for "torment" that appears in both of these Revelation texts as an example. This same word appears in its different forms (noun, verb) in several other New Testament scriptures. When we examine how it is used in all these cases, a clear meaning begins to emerge. This word is NOT at all describing the physical pain and suffering that would come from a hell of torment. Rather, it reveals the genuineness of a person or system. Does this person or religious system truly represent what it proclaims to stand for?
Check out our September 24, 2024 podcast, “What Does 'The Smoke of Their Torment Rises Up Forever' Mean? (Hellfire Series Part V)" for details. We consider these symbolic Revelation scriptures in the light of their immediate context using the foundation of the rest of biblical testimony. What we find is a clear and harmonious message. It reveals the consequences for misrepresenting God’s sanctified truth as destruction and NOT torment. Join us for this unfolding of these very symbolic texts in the light of God’s love and plan for all of humanity.
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To be moral is to conform to a standard of right behavior. Ideally, to be moral is to stand for principles and actions that are positive and contributory to the world in which we live. This sounds great. It sounds like something we would all (with the exception of those who just don’t care) want to live by. However, there is a problem. Who defines what is moral and what is not? Upon whose proclamation do we decide whether someone is acting in a positive and contributory way or in a way that is destructive? Outside of the laws of the land we live in, each of us for the most part has the capacity to develop a personal moral code. The big question is, do we each define that moral code based on personal experience and preference, or do we define it by what we would consider to be higher guidelines?
There are several ways one can go about defining morality. In a very simplistic approach, we will touch on two very different methods to define what moral behavior should be driven by.
Let’s begin with Humanism
Humanism very basically says that instead of relying on God and religion for moral guidance and direction, one should focus on individual and collective wellbeing. This is attained by a reliance upon natural means such as science and reason. Knowing our place in the world comes from observing and understanding the world and not relying on supernatural sources for answers.
On the other hand...
Christians assert that all of the principles for our moral guidance come from God and are based on the Bible. We look heavenward to the plans and purposes of the Creator of our world to understand and determine what our moral responsibilities should be. We see this approach as providing a constant and unchanging basis for the justice, mercy and love with which we are required to treat one another.
As we compare these two approaches, we can see certain questions immediately appear regarding both sides. There is obviously a subjective aspect to Humanism that needs addressing. What do we do with the clear cultural and experiential biases we all have as we absorb science and interpret what is reasonable? When does a new approach to right and wrong come into play? And who decides? Questions regarding the biblical approach revolve around the proclamation that one ancient and never-changing approach to morality will always be right.
Check out our September 9, 2024 podcast, “What Defines Moral Behavior? (Part I)” for more. We break down these philosophical approaches step-by-step and use several lines of scriptural reasoning for support. What we find may be surprising, as the need for aspects of the subjective humanistic approach become very clear. Are we saying to not count on God’s objective approach to morality? Absolutely not. Join us and see how the Bible walks us through grasping the loftiness of God’s morality for humanity by showing us how to fine tune our own subjective approach. -
Jesus is Lord. He sits at the right hand of the throne of God, which is the position of highest power and authority in ALL of God’s glorious creation. This position was not thoughtlessly given. It was awarded to Jesus because his loyalty to and reverence for the heavenly Father were and are without equal. This position of unfathomable power and glory was attained by Jesus as a result of his willing submission to a grueling test of loyalty. This test was not only unique, but it was also profoundly necessary for the good of God’s angelic creation, as well as for the future of the entire human race. This test required Jesus to experience change, hardship and uncertainty. It required him to learn, adapt and grow while always being exactly on target with fulfilling God’s will. So, how did he do this?
When Jesus came to earth as a man, he essentially wrote a new chapter in history. Never before in all of God’s creation was one sent from the spiritual realm to become human and live a human life. This change would mean leaving all the glory behind and replacing it with the simpler, lower-level existence called humanity. If this wasn’t enough of a shock to the system, Jesus would also be required to give up any and all human ambitions and focus only on doing what God would instruct him to do.
Let’s think about all that is involved here.
Jesus was given a perfect human body with its natural physical limitations. His mind would also have human limitations, even though it was perfect. When Jesus went to be baptized by John, God gave him His holy spirit. This power and influence would aid him with not only discerning scripture, but also with reading other’s hearts and performing miracles. This was all a completely new and completely untested combination. A physical body, a physical mind and the power of God’s influence driving you. No wonder he needed to learn obedience!
So, how did these lessons in obedience take place?
Right from the start, Jesus learned by being engaged. Immediately following his baptism, he went to the wilderness to fast and pray. His objective was to be in full harmony and understanding with what God had sent him to do. It is in this environment that Satan came to him with the focused objective of derailing him from accomplishing his God ordained mission. Jesus’ learning had begun with a massive confrontation!
Check out our recent podcast, “Why Did Jesus Need to Learn Obedience?” for more. We trace the “why” of his learning obedience by linking the sins of Satan with the sin of Adam and Eve. We dig deeply into the details of how his responses to his experiences were in stark contrast to all that had been done before him. Join us on this revealing pathway to understanding what true obedience looks like. Let Jesus’ example inspire you to daily and steadily rising to higher heights of Christlikeness. -
When Jesus taught, he made many profound and life-changing statements. Here we are thousands of years later, appreciating how what he said can daily lift us up and inspire us. As beautiful as this is, it only scratches the surface. Our theme scripture is a classic example of this. It is awe inspiring to know Jesus is the "bread of life" that vanquishes hunger for all who truly follow him. Now let’s think more deeply. Let’s ask why. Why did Jesus say this? What was the deeper meaning that not only inspires but transforms our lives? Let’s check the context. The scriptures preceding this saying, tell us Passover was coming. In Jewish culture, this time of year brought anticipation for remembering the greatest deliverance in Israel’s history. Jesus would capitalize on this and show them something even greater.
Looking for Jesus?
Jesus had just miraculously fed over 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish. This was after performing miracles of healing as well. That night his apostles got into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus went into the mountains for solitude. In the middle of the night he came down, walked on the water and rescued his apostles from a storm as he delivered them across the sea. That next day, many who had been fed could not find Jesus and crossed the Sea of Galilee to find him because they had questions!
They found him.
Jesus could read their hearts and knew the magnetic pull they felt towards him was based on his miracle of feeding thousands and not on his real message. His first words to them were to stop pursuing the physical advantage they perceived could be theirs by following him. Instead, he instructed them to pursue the “food that would endure to eternal life” he would give them. Jesus had offered them something powerful and unique. Their response was not, “Let’s follow;” rather, it was to ask him for a sign. They offered the manna from heaven God had supplied to Israel in the wilderness as an example. Didn’t they just see Jesus work miracles and feed thousands the day before?
Jesus didn’t miss a beat. He told them he was God’s "bread of life" that came from heaven, and this began to unsettle them. Then he went further. He talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as a requirement to follow him. Why would he say that?
Check out our August 26, 2024 podcast, “Why Is Jesus Called the Bread of Life?” for more. We follow this entire teaching as it was unfolded in John chapter 6. We pay special attention to the profound reasoning Jesus gave for being this bread of life. It's easy to observe the growing unrest and anger that built within his audience. Join us on this uncertain journey as we learn how easy it is to see powerful truths from the wrong perspective. Jesus IS the bread of life. The question is, are we being nourished by him? -
The world of politics IS our world. It is incredibly difficult to go through a typical day of interactions and online activity without being BOMBARDED with some form of political activism or opinion or outrage. With political victory comes power, and with power comes authority. With authority comes the ability to shape the lives and directions of the masses. Because of where we are in the stream of time, the grip of politics is not likely to let up at all. On the contrary, it is likely to grow and dominate. So, what is our role as Christians? Should we apply ourselves to get involved so we can bring sound thinking, righteousness and integrity to the process for the greater good of all people? Or should we stay away from the whole process, knowing it is ultimately going to fall apart anyway?
Politics even back then
Israel, just as any other nation, always had to deal with political wrangling. In Jesus’ day, we find the nation was entrenched in the iron grip of Roman rule. They were allowed to govern themselves as long as they faithfully paid their taxes and didn’t cause trouble for the empire. Even under such limitations, Israel’s politics were obvious and thriving. Three of the several politically driven “ruling class” sects were: the scribes, who were experts in the Mosaic Law; the Pharisees, who were the “champions” of the written and oral Law; and the Sadducees, who strictly adhered to the five books of Moses. While these three groups, along with others, worked together, they also spent a lot of time debating over their disagreements.
What about today?
We as Christians need to know what kind of role to play in today’s political environment. The best place to start is to look at the role Jesus played in his day. This is a fascinating investigation. Not only were there political gyrations in the ruling class, but there were also other subgroups that developed as a result of Roman rule. Two of these groups - the Publicans, who were tax collectors for Rome - and the zealots, who wanted to overthrow Rome - also stirred the pot. So, what did Jesus do with all of these groups? How did they treat him, and how did he act towards them? What can we learn from all of this?
Check out our August 5, 2024 podcast, “Should Christians Be Politically Driven?” for answers. We define each of these groups and examine how they looked at Jesus. Remember, in many ways Jesus was a rebel in his day and was NOT generally well-received by those with influence. In fact, many ruling class groups ended up seeking to kill him, as they saw him as a direct threat to their positions. This one conclusion should have us pause and consider as we look at our political world today. Are the Christian principles we stand for today as strong and integrity driven as Jesus displayed? Join us for this intriguing and challenging look at Jesus, politics and our stand as modern-day Christians!
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Most people know something about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The core thought that is well known is the concept of helping a total stranger in a time of their great physical need. Think about it, there are laws in place to protect those who engage in helping strangers in case something goes wrong, called "Good Samaritan laws." There are organizations in place to promote these kinds of acts of brotherly kindness. There are ministries and hospitals that bear this name. As wonderful as all this is, the message Jesus was giving when he spoke this parable is far deeper. The bottom line is, if we work on understanding and actually applying his true message, we will learn to become not only true neighbors, but we will also grow to be that much closer to the image of Christ.
Nice try, Pharisees.
During his ministry, Jesus had many conversations with the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers who were experts on the Mosaic Law. On one occasion, one of these lawyers engaged Jesus about inheriting eternal life, which led to a very piercing question. The lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?" This query was put in place to attempt to trap him into a theological debate as a way of hopefully exposing a weakness in Jesus. The result was the exact opposite. Jesus took the question and told a story that in the end would settle that debate once and for all.
The story was one of Jesus' more famous parables about a man who is robbed, beaten and left near death along the road. While walking that road at separate times, a priest and a Levite came upon this beaten and dying man. They both avoided him and continued their journeys. Then a Samaritan man saw him and saved his life. The compassion, kindness and selfless giving this Samaritan showed is inspiring.
The power of this story merely begins with travesty of the priest and the Levite ignoring the wounded man. The parable’s true impact is in the hero of the day being a Samaritan man. This would have been surprising and even repulsive to Jesus’ listening audience. Why? The fact is the Jewish people and the Samaritan people were dire enemies. This mutually divisive opposition developed over several hundred years and for a myriad of reasons. It was so bad that one very dramatic insult among the Jews of Jesus’ day was to say to a fellow Jew that they were a Samaritan and had a demon!
Are YOU my neighbor?
Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero of the story for many powerful reasons. Check out our recent podcast, “What Does Being a Good Samaritan Really Mean?” for more. We not only detail the rivalry between these two peoples, we also dive into all of what Jesus was teaching about being a true neighbor. Join us as we uncover the priceless treasures of what being a "neighbor" really means. This is one lesson that we all need to hear and apply! -
Our world is such a cynical place. Sometimes it feels like every time you turn a corner, you’re met with frustration, unrest and a lack of trust. Because we have so many platforms through which we can speak, we do. When we speak, our words and sentiments are often full of accusation and vitriol. We harshly address “those people.” You know the ones. "Those people" on the other side of this or that issue whom we often label as uneducated or ignorant, as members of the wrong party, wrong belief system, wrong ethnicity or wrong culture. We speak to be heard, and we neglect speaking so others will listen. We are cynical, and this cynicism is to the detriment of all. As Christians, we should NOT participate in this damaging interpretation of free speech. So, is it possible to be cynical in a positive way?
The Bible gives us many examples of cynicism.
Perhaps the simplest example is the words of Nathaniel when Phillip told him that Jesus was the Messiah. Nathaniel answered with that well-known phrase, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” While this statement is on the milder side of cynicism, it absolutely captures the power of cynical thoughts and comments.
First, this statement was likely a common saying in Jesus’ day, as Nazareth’s reputation didn’t carry the highest levels of honor and credibility. It was like our saying today that this or that person came from “the other side of the tracks.” We are implying that location “over there” is simply not a good place, and you certainly don’t want to have anything to do with it.
Second, Nathaniel’s statement was a gross generalization about Jesus. In this case, the assumption states that who someone is or can be doesn’t matter if they are from THAT place. It proclaims one’s origin unequivocally determines one’s permanent station in life. It implies there can be no honor or greatness in any individual with such a background. The implanted thought is that we should not waste our time even considering such a person! This is what cynicism can look like, and we can perpetuate it by simply repeating things others have said.
Can cynicism ever be appropriate?
Check out our May 6, 2024 podcast, Am I Too Cynical or Not Cynical Enough?” for more. We look at several scriptural examples of the many ways being cynical can creep into our lives. These examples give us clear direction regarding the lines we need to draw in our own hearts and minds. We focus on how our responses to cynicism can either contribute to hurt or healing. We also look into what appropriate cynicism looks like. Yes, that’s right, there is such a thing as "appropriate cynicism." We know this because the Bible actually gives us a clear example of what it looks like and how it works. Don’t miss this important and revealing conversation that directs us to think about what we are thinking about! -
In our last episode, we talked about the great power of the solemn promises in the Bible called covenants. We observed how God had made several of these solemn promises, and that several are specifically labeled as “everlasting covenants.” As we look at Bible history, we can see that all of God’s promises have already been made and are already functioning - except for one. This one promise yet to be unfolded is the “New Covenant.” While this promise is clearly defined in Jeremiah, it is alluded to in several other books of the Bible. So, is the only difference between this New Covenant and God’s other promises the fact that it is yet coming, or are there more pieces to this puzzle?
Why would God need to make a "new" covenant anyway?
When we realize the Scriptures link this new promise to the Law Covenant given to Moses, several key questions arise. The first questions have to do with this connection. Does this imply God made a mistake with the Law? Did He change course and have to readjust because the Law failed to bring His chosen people to Him? Not at all!
The Law was given to Moses as an unmistakable guide to live righteously and be in God’s favor. It was built upon the basis of sacrifices because God’s people, as part of the human race, were inherently sinful. These sacrifices could not take away their sins. They demonstrated the people’s willingness to make offerings to God and were an acceptable bridge to His favor. The New Covenant replaces all of that. The Bible plainly tells us Jesus is this New Covenant’s mediator. Why? Because his personal sacrifice did, once and for all, pay for the sins of the people. All the people. The Law Covenant, therefore, was a steppingstone to bring us to the New Covenant.
The next set of questions revolve around the question of “who."
Who is this New Covenant made with? Many Christians believe this new promise has been made with Jesus’ followers after his death. While this might sound logical, there are several details that bring us to a very different conclusion. Several prophecies specifically focus the New Covenant as not only being with the nation of Israel but being focused on their physical land as well. Though this may be a surprising conclusion to many, its scriptural basis deserves further exploration.
Check out our April 29, 2024 podcast, “Is the New Covenant Different From God’s Other Covenants?” for more. We examine how this New Covenant is profoundly attached to God’s other everlasting promises. We dig into the how, the when, and the why of its inauguration. What we find is a stunning biblical account that not only explains the New Covenant, but it also explains the unfolding of God’s plan right from the start. Don't miss this deep and revealing journey that connects many prophecies and biblical teachings. The word of God has amazing answers! -
As Christians, we take great comfort in knowing that God is a God of unfathomable wisdom and integrity. We may be faced with things in life we never saw coming, but God is never caught off guard. With His foresight and eternal wisdom, He is not only prepared for anything, but He has preplanned for everything. God is also always as good as His word. He does not make a promise and then haphazardly decide not to keep it. In the Bible, covenants are really solemn promises. Throughout Scripture, God has made many of these promises with the description of being “eternal.” One such covenant was the Law given to Moses. It seems the Law was described as everlasting, and yet the New Testament tells us it loses its validity. Did God change His mind?
Rainbow Covenant and Abrahamic Covenant
When we think of God and His eternal promises, there are two that often come to mind. The first is the promise that God made to Noah when he and his family stepped off of the Ark. God’s promise was to never again flood the earth, and it was symbolized by a rainbow. In giving this promise, God was emphatic: He meant what he said. The second promise that likely comes to mind is the Abrahamic promise. Though far more comprehensive in scope, the bottom line of this promise that most remember is the blessing of all the families of the earth through Abraham’s lineage.
Taken individually, these two promises are highly significant, as they are pointed statements from God. Both of them have to do with an eternal future, and both have to do with things outside of our human control. This is significant because it means that God has unilaterally taken responsibility for their eternal fulfillment. There is great comfort in being able to rely on God’s specifically stated words for the rest of eternity.
An everlasting covenant?
As good as this is, it only scratches the surface. God made other promises that were also labeled as "everlasting covenants." He promised that an eternal ruler would come from the lineage of King David. He also promised there would a “New Covenant,” a “covenant of peace” that would be everlasting as well. Here’s the amazing part - all of these promises are not individual statements about individual events. They are all fundamentally related to one another. They all tell parts of the same path that God revealed to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Check out our April 22, 2024 podcast, “Do the Covenants of God All Last Forever?” for more. Along with these promises, we examine the Law Covenant given to Moses. It will come as a surprise to many that the Law was NOT labeled as "everlasting." In spite of its temporary nature, we dig into the details of how it is one of the vital and interlocking pieces of God’s everlasting plan for humanity. Don’t miss this unique and revealing journey! -
In Part I of our two-part conversation about influence, we began to uncover just how broadly and how deeply the power of influence runs. In our world today, influence has taken on a new - and in some ways even more significant meaning - than ever before. Now because we have social media, we have created a space for influencers to arise within our midst. Sometimes these individuals appear on the scene from very unlikely backgrounds. The vast majority of the most popular of these influencers have been given our attention because they are famous. Curiously, much of their influence is not based on the expertise that was required to master their craft. Because influence happens all of the time at all different levels, our big question now is, how can we become more effective influencers in our everyday lives?
How do we quantify the power of influence?
Do we measure its success by sheer numbers or by its life-changing capacity? Do we think the person with the most followers must be the winner? After all, look at all those people! While the number of those who follow is a legitimate measuring stick, the next question is, where are they following this influencer to? Is it all about clothing, or hair care products or attention-getting gimmicks? Or is it about truly life-enhancing direction?
Biblical influencers
The Bible gives us several examples of those who had influence. In some cases, these influencers were in positions of authority. In other cases, they were people with little or no public voice. One particular example stands out. This example has to do with a young girl who was perhaps around 10-years old. We are never told her name. What we do know is that she was a servant in the home of a great warrior from Syria with an incurable disease. The account tells us that her few words to this warrior’s wife began a life-changing series of events for him.
Think about the level of influence this example displays. It shows us that even those who may be deemed utterly insignificant can possess powerful and positive influence. What does this mean for those of us who live here and now and who don’t have the power of social media promoting us?
Check out our April 15, 2024 podcast, “How Can We Become Influencers? (Part II)” for more. We detail the fascinating events of a few biblical influencers who remained nameless. Next, we discuss Moses as an influencer, and how he had no confidence in himself and needed to be shown how to influence - God’s way. We highlight Nehemiah whose rise to influencer was nothing short of legendary and follow the sound principles of godly influence he adhered to. Join us as we compare today’s influencers and their fame with the humble and powerful influencers of biblical times. Learn how we can all have influence that can be God-honoring and positive!
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Influence. We are all touched by it in countless ways and countless times each and every day of our lives. Influence comes from all corners of life. If we are partial to someone, we generally accept their influence positively. If we are at odds with someone, we generally look down upon their influence. Either way, they influence us. Influence comes from advertising and social media. It comes from politicians and educators; from books, movies and shows. From those who enforce and those who break the law; it comes from our superiors, our peers and our subordinates. Influence has become such a central factor in our world that we now focus on and follow those we call influencers! To have influence is to have power. To have power is to have control. And to have control can easily bring the manipulation and domination of others.
It's nothing new.
The only difference now is where it comes from. Throughout most of history and in ancient days, it was born out of rank. If you had authority, you had influence. Additionally, if you were positioned to advise or guide those in authority, you also had it. This kind of leverage played out at every level of life, from national preeminence down to family and peer group control.
All of that has changed.
When you think about it, those we call “influencers” are essentially random people who have in one way or another become famous. Many of them are athletes or performers. The fame and name recognition achieved through their respective crafts paved the way for them to become coveted influencers. Here’s the interesting thing. Their influence is usually not directly related to their craft. Instead, it is often related to marketing products or giving perspectives on subject matter that they really have no expertise in. Essentially, we let somebody who is famous dictate some of our behaviors in life simply because of their social stature.
Influence was alive and well in Bible times. When we compare the massive influence that both Satan and Jesus have and have had, the biblical picture of influencers takes on a much deeper meaning. Not only can we see how influence works on a spiritual level, but we can see the difference in the methodology of influencing for good versus influencing for evil.
Check out our April 8, 2024 podcast, “How Can We Become Influencers? (Part I) for more. We discuss what influencers look like today and what they looked like in biblical times. We look at biblical influencers who passionately perpetuated evil. Then we uncover an example of one who influenced many others towards an incorrect result even though his heart was working at following Jesus. We compare these examples with those who influenced with integrity and focus for the ultimate glory of God. The bottom line is, influence is everywhere! Join us for this eye-opening journey through culture and Scripture! -
Let’s begin by stating the obvious: the world is a mess! Now, we all know the world has been a mess for a very long time, so the question is, is this even news? The answer is yes, it is! Our present-day mess has everything to do with the ability to be connected with as many perspectives on and interpretations of truth as we would like. We can now easily and often categorize, judge or ignore anything and everything that doesn't fit into our personal worldview. All of this brings us to a place where we effortlessly define good and evil according to preference and not principle. We believe Jesus died and was resurrected to redeem the world from sin, and yet, we are now so much further from godly principles than ever before. How can we harmonize these seemingly conflicting thoughts?
It sure doesn't look like things are getting better...
We are currently witnessing continuous decline of Christianity throughout our world. Such a decline can easily lead us to the conclusion that Jesus’ mission to save the world is crumbling before our eyes. Such a conclusion would not only be a mistake, but it would also actually hide the truth. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Near the end of his ministry, Jesus spoke of his crucifixion and of drawing ALL men to himself. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us that ALL die in Adam and ALL will be made alive in Christ. All of this sounds great, but it certainly does not look like it’s happening.
Prophecy foretold the world would degrade.
When Jesus prophesied about his second coming, he explained that the conditions of the world would be severely degraded, as in the days of Noah. When we look at the immoral and evil that existed then, we can certainly see its parallel today. Jesus not only makes this comparison to alert us of coming trouble, but also to assure us he knew things would look hopeless. The flood of Noah’s day fundamentally changed the way the world worked. Jesus was telling us the time of trouble would also do the same thing. However, this trouble would open the door for God’s kingdom as well.
Okay, so far we seem to be just going down the rabbit hole of death and destruction! Where does Jesus "saving the world" come into play? Check out our April 1, 2024 podcast, “If Jesus' Resurrection Saved the World, Why is it Such a Mess?” for answers. We consider the prophecies of trouble and destruction within the context of the whole message of the Bible. Beneath the surface we can see the core reasons Jesus came to earth and gave himself as a ransom sacrifice. We collect the varied puzzle pieces the Old and New Testaments give us. Once assembled, these pieces present a breathtaking picture of just how Jesus DOES save the world. Join us as we document and appreciate these dramatic biblical lessons! -
Everyone experiences loss in their lives in one way or another. How we attempt to cope with those losses depends upon several things. First, the kind of loss we are facing can dictate whether our response to it is mild, strong or severe. Second, our cultural environment offers up expectations as to how our mild strong or severe responses are to be displayed. In biblical days, grieving over difficult losses was often displayed in a very outward, very public manner. The Bible is full of examples of such public crying, wailing, renting of clothes and despair. For many of us in our present-day mindset, these things may seem to be over-the-top and too dramatic. Actually, when we seek to understand all of this lamenting, we find very strong lessons of faith, growth and acceptance.
Help!
Loss is difficult. Sometimes it is unbearable. When we seek help in coping with such things, the counsel is always the same: Go through the experience and don’t try to avoid or hide the emotions. We need to give ourselves permission to feel what we are feeling so we can, when appropriate, move forward to the next step. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we are told there is a suitable time for mourning, just as there is a suitable time to dance for joy. The Hebrew word for mourn actually means “to tear the hair, to beat the breasts, to lament or wail.” Wow! For us living now with our current cultural backgrounds, that certainly sounds dramatic.
Biblical lamenting
To be clear, we are not suggesting that our lamenting be so dramatic. What we are suggesting is that we be willing to face our tragedies with an openness to feel them. Why? As we look into the deep lamenting revealed in the Bible, several things begin to rise to the surface. Most striking is that our lamenting not only serves a purpose, but it is also part of a distinct process. There are four essential steps our outward anguish can bring us through. The first step is for us to come face-to-face with the reality of our tragedy. Without this acceptance of the pain of our experience, we would not be able to fully move forward through the healing and growth process of the other steps.
Check out our March 25, 2024 podcast, “Is Mourning Out Loud Over Our Losses Good for Us?” for more. As we lay out the scriptural steps our anguish can lead us through, we also uncover several other reasons besides personal loss that can provoke such outward lamenting. These issues can be a result of our own bad choices, as well as tragedies that don’t happen to us but nevertheless have a dramatic effect on us. Join us as we uncover the strength and growth that can come from our mourning. Though this topic is rarely talked about, it is absolutely a worthwhile investment of our time and attention. -
We don’t know much about the spiritual world, especially before the creation of humanity. What we do know is that it was an entirely harmonious world with loyalty and obedience to God at its center. God foreknew that when pride crept into Satan’s heart and was exposed, it would lead to a massive shift in the way things would run. In heaven, it would no longer be business as usual, for now the lessons of sin and disobedience would be unleashed. These painful but necessary lessons would - under God’s power and providence - ultimately bring the whole of His creation back into the harmony it had left behind, only this time that harmony would be for eternity. How would He make this happen?
God existed before time began.
His spiritual creations within and outside of our universe are ageless and beyond our human comprehension. Even His creation of our home, planet Earth and all of its life and abundance, are ancient beyond our reckoning. When God finished with this earthly creation, the Bible said God rested. Let’s understand, His resting was not because He was tired and needed a break. On the contrary, His resting signified He had completed exactly what He had set out to do.
Did God give up on the "old creation"?
It is a startling development when thousands of years later, we are introduced to the concept of God developing a “new creation.” Many questions may arise as a result of this proclamation. Why create something new? Did God’s old creation not work out? Was it flawed? Were there unexpected developments that required God to develop a “Creation 2.0” version? Is God going to scrap the original creation and replace it with this new thing?
The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO! God is far to wise and powerful to need to adjust or revamp His original plans. Such scrambling is left to us as impetuous, imperfect and incomplete human beings. Rather than being a quick fix, God’s "new creation" is actually a crowning jewel He designed to be put in place at the proper time and under the proper conditions.
So, what is this new creation? Who is it, and how does it work? Check out our March 11, 2024 podcast, “What is the New Creation?” for answers. We establish how, not surprisingly, it all began with Jesus and his faithful mission of sacrifice as a perfect human being. We follow how Jesus was and is THE pioneer of this amazing new part of God’s plan. Built upon his glory and honor are even more inspiring details and developments. This new creation also has everything to do with those who are called to be true disciples of Christ. What we uncover here is perhaps one of the most sensational aspects of all of God’s creations at any time in all of history. Don’t miss this mind-expanding revealing of a biblical truth that is so often ignored! - Mehr anzeigen
