What do ancient myths and modern poetry have to do with Heaven? More than you might think. It’s not that they actually describe Heaven. But there’s something about them that’s worth considering.
Ancient Myths, Modern Poetry and Heaven More
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Seriously? The poor in spirit are blessed? That sounds so backwards! It’s even more strange when it’s translated as happy are the poor in spirit! It seems like it should be blessed are the rich in spirit. And yet, that’s not what Jesus said. So what did Jesus mean when He said what we now call the first of the Beatitudes?
Mt 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
When we read the whole verse, it sounds even more backwards. How can the kingdom of Heaven be for those who are poor in spirit? Isn’t it for the “good Christians” who are “rich in spirit”?
Blessed are the poor in spirit More
The goal here wasn’t to tell you that toothless will be in Heaven. And it wasn’t to get you to want to ride around the universe on him. No, the goal was to get you to think. Even more so, to dream. And dream big. Really big. And very good. To get you to realize that no matter how good you may think this life is, the next life will be so much better. Better than you think. Better than you can dream about. And something you really don’t want to miss.
Dragons and the things God has prepared for those who love him More
I doubt that a huge number of people today would refer to Christianity as counter-cultural. In fact, being in what’s called a post-Christian era, more people are likely to view Christianity as the old way – much like young people don’t use email, Facebook, and countless other “old” technologies.
The question is – why not? Christianity should be very much a counter-culture. The fact that it isn’t, I believe, is more related to how Christianity is practiced than it is to what Christianity is really about. I’m talking about the Christianity of Jesus – not the Christianity of man. Not the European model, where people are more into following The Force, as in Star Wars, or being a “none”. And not the Christianity of America, where the so-called prosperity Gospel seems to have more followers than anything close to what Jesus actually spoke about.
So as you read this, think about Jesus’ words in that counter-culture way. Maybe it’s not what you’re used to hearing. But they are, after all, His words. They aren’t the watered down or misinformed words that are spoken or written about by people who don’t even follow Jesus’ teaching themselves. Think the “yeast of the Pharisees” here.
The Sermon On The Mount – Introduction More
This then is how you should pray.
How and Should. Some religions – even some Christian denominations – seem to be more into what and must.
But that’s not what Jesus said.
He said How and Should.
This then is how you should pray… More
I do know now, after these past 7 years. Some of it was for others, based on feedback I’ve received. Some of it was certainly for me. The cost has been high. And yet, looking at the image at the top, I realize that when we’re talking about this particular cost, it’s really not necessary to blow up the budget – because the budget is way bigger than we can even begin to realize.
Somewhere between those two extremes is realizing that Satan and his fallen angels do exist, and knowing enough about them that we won’t be one of those who get tricked or caught up in one of Satan’s traps – and losing our soul, as Jesus told us in this explanation of the Parable of The Sower –
Satan – beginning, end, and more More
Essentially – the message comes down to – Do not be afraid, unless there’s a real reason for you to be afraid.
Do not Be afraid, unless … More
If you’ve read anything I’ve written about my past, you would know that answer is shocking. There are times I wanted so badly to reach the end of this life and go to live in God’s Kingdom. To be saying I have more to offer here in this life instead of “going home” is beyond belief. And yet – I said it. It is something I’ve spoken to the senior pastor at church about – that I really should find ways to use the gifts God has given me. But here, when it comes right down to it, I was still surprised to “hear” me saying this.
God – is it time for me to go home? More
It seems that what is probably the most common use of the word apocalypse – meaning the end of the world – isn’t even biblical in origin. It’s one instance where the book of Revelation write about the end of the world, as we know it – and that one instance is turned into the new “definition” of the word.
Revelation: Introduction – part 1 More
