I occasionally try to picture what Heaven is like. I read a book a dozen years ago by Randy Alcorn simply titled “Heaven.” Shortly after reading it I created my own PowerPoint (I see Randy has posted his here) and presented the subject to a group of high school students while away on a mission…
Read moreDestination: Known
So I’m Predestined? Now what? (Note: This is a follow-up essay to one where I try to solve a 500 year old debate. Read the original here.) Predestination is a biblical term. The idea that Paul, the world’s greatest evangelist and eye witness to the resurrected Jesus, shares in his magnum opus, Romans, is powerful….
Read moreChristmas Clutter
Here are some of my favorite misconceptions about Christmas. Do you have some? Share them in the comments below! People wanting to return to the good old days of Christmas before consumerism / commercialism might not want to travel too far back in time. Celebrating Christmas was banned in Boston from 1659-1681. Celebrations of Christmas…
Read moreTools of the Trade
My dad famously said (famous to me anyway) that he could “do any job with the right tools”. He was a self-taught man capable of a thousand abilities, an inspiration to behold. When shipping toys and gifts he often handmade for his grand kids, he even custom cut his own packaging to ensure a perfect…
Read moreDoctrines divide? Yes, and that’s a good thing!
To some degree, I am likely beating my head against the wall trying to reach a firm and final conclusion when theologians (real ones, not us “everyday living” theologians) have debated Biblical interpretation and resultant doctrines for over four centuries. So donning the helmet of ignorance, I’ve attempted to assemble the disparate positions and the…
Read moreThe Three Wise Men Weren’t (Three)
Each Christmas I get a little more scrooge-like as I drive past nativity scenes depicting three kings waiting in line to present the baby Jesus with their gifts. Some early church traditions even have names for the robed worshipers, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, but we have no way of knowing if this was accurate. So,…
Read moreMisquoting the Bible
If there is one word of advice, I’d give to new readers of the Holy Scripture it is “context.” With over 727,000 words in the NIV version of the Old and New Testaments, like fortune cookies, people can easily make up anything using out of context bible statements. Anytime you hear a bible phrase quoted,…
Read moreSins of the Parents and Sour Grapes
I try my best to not look around me and judge others. Far be it from me to fall into the trap of the Pharisee Jesus described in Luke 18:11 “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” However, I am susceptible for trying to…
Read moreBiblical Roots
Our vernacular has changed in the last 50 years and I am a first-hand witness. In my youth it was far more common to have phrases and idioms used to make a point many of which had their roots in the Bible. Some of the more popular ones have survived and my guess is most…
Read moreHaving faith is not up to You
Given that one is saved by faith, not good behavior, sacrifices, karma, works, reincarnation, et al, how does one get this faith? The Bible’s answer is ‘not on your own ‘cause you’re not even trying’ Psalm 14:2 says “The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if…
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