Heaven - Part 3

The problem of hating people of color

Do you know what’s the problem of hating people of color? Well, one of many, actually. So, so many. But if you’re a regular here, you should know what’s going on with that question. In “the problem of …” articles, I often write about things that might keep someone who claims to be Christian from entering Heaven. On this site, that generally means things we love so much here on earth that we’d rather try to hang on to them than go to Heaven. But this one’s the other way around.

The problem of hating people of color More

Blessed are the peacemakers

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the peacemakers. But who / what are peacemakers? Some of you will think of a Colt handgun. Or a strategic bomber. Or maybe even an MX Missile. If you’re Christian, or think you’re Christian, hopefully those aren’t the first things that come to mind. Why not? Because Blessed are the peacemakers is something Jesus said. It’s one of the Beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount.

Blessed are the peacemakers More

Is Covid-19 a modern-day Exile?

A look at ourselves

Is Covid-19 a modern-day exile scenario?

We look at the virus as a bad thing, maybe from God. However, those who have read the Bible know that sometimes God allows bad things in order to bring about better things. Or to wake up His people.

So, what if this is God’s way of showing us that we need to wake up? We’re supposed to be living in this world as if we’re in exile – right here, wherever we are. In exile from our Heavenly home. But we’re too busy turning this into a false “heaven on earth” kind of thing.

And we’re falling in love with it. And by doing that, we’re at risk of losing our real Heavenly home that God created for us.

Is Covid-19 a modern-day Exile? More

Does God punish us today, like when He didn't allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

Will God punish us today, like when He didn’t allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

The Beatitudes

Does God punish us today, like when He didn’t allow Moses to enter the Promised Land? That’s a question that came up when we were studying one of the Beatitudes – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. You can maybe see how the question might arise. And how it seems important. After all Moses did to lead God’s people in the Exodus, he didn’t live long enough to set foot in the Promised Land. So what chance do we have?

Will God punish us today, like when He didn’t allow Moses to enter the Promised Land? More

See the plank in your own eye

A look at ourselves

Open your eyes. Take the plank out of your own eye. Really see with them. The way Jesus said we need to see. Then ask, where is my treasure? Is it in Heaven or on earth? ‘Cause if it’s on earth, you’re on the path to Hell. You know – the path of the blind?

Please, don’t be so devote to someone – anyone – who’d so devoted to things not from God that you lose sight of when you also become so devoted to the dark that you end up on the wrong path.

See the plank in your own eye More

Suffering for doing good

A look at ourselves

If you’ve got that feeling to do good things, even with the potential cost to you, with no ulterior motives, with nothing but unselfish love for someone like your elderly neighbors that you’re shopping for, why not acknowledge that’s God? Jesus told us He’d try to get our attention.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Why not open that door and start bringing an end to the suffering for doing good?

Suffering for doing good More

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – a different view

A deeper look at familiar Bible passages

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. It’s part of John’s gospel that is often talked about. However, here’s a different view of it. Sure, it’s important to show that the “living water” that Jesus offered was for everyone. What if we look at it from the point of view of the Great Commission? Not just as we’re to spread the word to all nations. But as an example or template of how to go about spreading the gospel?

Notice the word on the chalkboard. “Feedback”. It seems like when we spread the gospel, we tend to want to talk. Just keep saying the nice “churchy” words, and people will get the message. They’ll say the so-called sinners prayer – which doesn’t exist – and be saved. Not.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman – a different view More

Not a Christian nation - A Nation that repays evil with evil

A Nation that repays evil with evil is not a Christian nation

Politics, government, religion and God

Hey Trump Christians – these questions are for you. How do you feel, supporting a President that claims to be the best President ever for Christians, and yet acts the opposite of what Jesus told us to act? Two says ago, Trump said, “We are a very reciprocal nation with me as the head. When somebody does something negative to us in terms of a country, we do it to them.” In other words, we repay evil with evil. Does that sound even remotely like something Jesus ever taught? Does it bother you that your chosen candidate says and does things like this? On top of that, consider the likelihood that you support Trump because of his claims about being so much in favor of Christians.

If you are unhappy with it, where is your voice? More and more, polls show that the U.S. is no longer a Christian nation. The fact that we have a leader who blatantly acts very un-Christian and yet claims to be so supportive of Christians tells us something. It tells us that the polls are right. We are more un-Christian as a nation. A nation of individuals. Individuals who seem to have lost sight of what Christianity is really about. Or maybe we’re just a nation of so-called Christians who look to the devil to promote our Christian religion?

That might sound a bit strong. Maybe very strong. And yet, when so many Christians – including Christian leaders – are so silent when their candidate of choice says and does things like this. When Trump claims to be so pro-Christian, where is the push-back or the talk of the reality of what he really does being so anti-Christian? And it’s the same thing when he speaks like this. Where’s the push-back, asking how someone who claims to be so pro-Christian can say things like that? Isn’t accountability part of Christianity anymore?

A Nation that repays evil with evil is not a Christian nation More

Ours is not to reason why

Something from my day

Ours Is Not To Reason Why. Remember that saying? Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die. I was pretty sure I remembered it –
but apparently, that’s not the way it goes. It really goes – Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.

But what if it really is, Ours is not to reason why, ours is to do and live?

Ours is not to reason why More

Screwtape Letters – series updated

Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters series has been completely reformatted to provide full functionality on desktops, tablets and smart phones. That includes the color-coded text to make it easier to differentiate various aspects of the pages, such as who is speaking, questions, suggested study areas, Etc.

The ability to collapse / expand the discussion hints is also fully functional on all devices. including smart phones.

In the process, it’s also been significantly enhanced to display much faster.

It’s also still free.

Screwtape Letters – series updated More