religion - Part 6

What a tangled web we weave when we try to deceive God – Part 1

A deeper look at familiar Bible passages, What a tangled web we weave

What a tangled web we weave when we’re double-hearted. It happens a lot. We want one thing. We know we should want another thing. It’s like those old commercials where there’s an angel on someone’s shoulder. And a devil on the other shoulder. Both tell us what to do. We’d like to get the angel to tell us that what the devil said is OK.

And in the commercial – that can happen. Like with chocolate milk. Unfortunately, in real life – as in a good versus evil scenario – that’s just not going to happen. Why not? Because those aren’t the real life choices.

What a tangled web we weave when we try to deceive God – Part 1 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?

Bible Study, Reflective Bible Study, 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

The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment

A look at ourselves

Which is more important to Christians? The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment? Let me rephrase that. Which should be more important? It’s the Greatest Commandment, isn’t it? Or did I miss something?

I’m asking because of something that’s happening now. Just one example is in a recent CBS News headline:

Pastor holds services despite virus ban, citing 1st Amendment

It’s shocking. As a Christian, it’s also very disappointing. I get it – churches want to meet. But what happened to the Greatest Commandment?

The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment More

Is Church Essential?

A look at ourselves

Is church essential? Of course it is! Many who say that though are only 50% right. Why? Because the question shouldn’t simply be whether church is essential. First, it should be what is “church? For example, here’s a recent headline: ‘Church Is Essential’ The building they gathered in wasn’t essential.

Surprised? Shocked? Angry? Confused? Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

Is Church Essential? 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.

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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

Where is God in the Coronavirus?

A look at ourselves

Where is God in the Coronavirus / Covid-19 Virus / whatever you call it? The first place to look is in the mirror. Whether you’re Christian or not, look in the mirror. You can learn something from what you see.

Where is God in the Coronavirus? More

Why do you live? The economy or God?

A look at ourselves

Why do you live? The economy or God? Really, that question comes down to who’s your “god”? Do you live for the god of money – the economy? Or for the God of the Bible? It’s a question that starts at the top – sort of. With our president – Trump. And now it’s filtering down through our governmental leaders. Which brings in yet another “god” – the god of government.

In spite of the fact that Trump call himself the greatest president ever for Christians, there has to be a question as to who is his real “god”. And now, enter Dan Patrick, Lt. Governor of Texas. A Republican. Let’s look at a news article on msn.com, titled Dan Patrick says he is willing to risk his own life to allow economy to resume.

Why do you live? The economy or God? More

Do Christians need tax breaks to give more?

A look at ourselves

Christians need tax breaks to give more? The headline in Christianity Today is: Christians Urge Congress to Incentivize Charitable Giving. I wonder, how many times did Jesus appeal to the Roman government to lower taxes for any reason, let alone to allow people to give more. What about the early church leaders? Did they appeal to the Romans?

The short answer is – no! I can’t even imagine it. And yet, here’s what the CT article says:

“This level of stimulus does not scratch the surface for what charities, nonprofits, and houses of worship need during this time of crisis,” wrote the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy arm, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, which is calling for a two-year universal deduction for charitable giving, with no cap.

Do Christians need tax breaks to give more? More