by Michael Paul · Published February 14, 2020 · Last modified August 4, 2021
The Bible is primarily a collection of books on how God revealed himself to us, little by little, in accordance with the spiritual maturity of humankind over the ages. The pinnacle of revelation was with Jesus Christ, who as part of the Trinity, revealed the Father and Spirit to us to the degree that we know all that we need / can know. The rest of the New Testament describes...
by Michael Paul · Published February 14, 2020 · Last modified August 4, 2021
The story of Adam & Eve provides insight into how we humans came to find ourselves struggling with right vs. wrong, with the world in a fallen state full of temptations. The actions of the first humans had lasting consequences for all of us, because spiritual traits are inherited as well as physical traits. Saying that God is “punishing us” is not the best way to express this. His initial...
by Michael Paul · Published February 14, 2020 · Last modified August 4, 2021
It might appear that way, but suffering is not exclusive to good, bad, or any other kind of people. Suffering is a human condition – everyone will suffer at one point or another. It is of course true that some suffer more than others, and the reasons for this are many – this would be its own question with a very long answer. On a side note, appearances can be...
by Michael Paul · Published February 13, 2020 · Last modified August 4, 2021
I think most of us that attempt to spread God’s word can relate to your question. From one standpoint, we can continue to master the craft of communication both in written word or orally, as well as try to be engaging in how to relate to people and be personable. But the main thing to remember is that it is the Holy Spirit that changes hearts and draws people to...
by Michael Paul · Published February 13, 2020 · Last modified August 4, 2021
God DID forgive Adam & Eve… but the story in the Garden of Eden is about consequence of sin, not forgiveness. Although forgiven, the consequences were permanent, so much so that the entire universe “fell” into sin. It is typically regarded that being removed from the garden was a punishment, but it was done so that they would not eat from the tree of life, and be forever stuck in...
Well, the New Year is here… Each year at this time many of us create resolutions to mark a fresh start. Many people resolve to improve themselves physically: to eat better, go to the gym, lose weight, etc. Others vow to spend more time helping others, or focusing on themselves more to alleviate stress or improve quality of life. These are all well and good, and are set into motion...
We tend to think of sinful behaviors as “what we have done wrong” and forget the “what we have failed to do”. These “sins of omission” are less obvious and are easily overlooked. They are harder to address because they can continuously simmer in the background, instead of taking place in the form of a one-time action or event. Most of us would consider ourselves “good people”. We don’t murder,...
Here it is, Election Day 2019 in the United States. Like every year at this time, rhetoric has been firing from political lemming pundits on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, this milestone marks that we are less than a year until the big presidential 2020 election. Prepare for an onslaught of craziness over the next 12 months! I think that we all can agree that the country seems to...
Someone once asked Jesus if only a few people would be saved. He was wondering how many people would one day make it to heaven. Jesus’ answer was startling and direct: Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough Luke 13:24 Wow – that’s harsh! And probably not the answer he was hoping to hear… It...
In response to recent mass shootings and other violence against religious and racial groups, people have united by denouncing hate in various ways. “Stop the Hate” is the common theme of rallies, candlelight vigils, and even charity T-shirts and hats. It is heartening to see communities come together in one voice to denounce hatred in all its forms. If we want to see continued change in our society, we each...