We think there's a growing sentiment in the world that the idea of right and wrong is somewhat arbitrary. Our institutions have failed us in many ways, and it seems that society is throwing out both the ideas that they represented and those institutions. And we're left with the idea that morality is really just a cultural concept. It's culturally defined, and if one is truly enlightened, it's somewhat irrelevant, right? So, if morality is not defined by our institutions, it's defined by … [Read more...] about Why Not Steal?
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A Form of Godliness
The Apostle Paul wrote to the young pastor Timothy to help and encourage him at a time when the Church was experiencing internal pressure from false teachers. He encourages Timothy to, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 1:13). Paul identified certain conditions that he saw as being challenges that the Church would have to deal with in the days preceding Christ’s return. Whatever the time frame for this … [Read more...] about A Form of Godliness
Russia, Crimea, & Ukraine
When we live in peace and safety with time to dwell on our actions and how we live, ironically, this peace can be a source of danger if it decreases our alertness. For this reason, we are admonished to be watchful: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming,” (Matthew 24:42 ESV). In February and March 2014, the world was watching as Russia began to invade the region of Crimea, previously connected to Ukraine. This historic case study enlightens us to how … [Read more...] about Russia, Crimea, & Ukraine
Anger Incubator
In June 2020, Elizabeth Chang's comments were printed in The Washington Post. Sadly, her words still ring true over 4 years later. She wrote: “Americans are angry. The country erupted into the worst civil unrest in decades after the death of George Floyd, and anger about police violence and the country’s legacy of racism is still running high. At the same time, we’re dealing with anger provoked by the coronavirus pandemic: anger at public officials because they’ve shut down parts of society, or … [Read more...] about Anger Incubator
Why Does Man Exist?
In an article dated September 21, 2018, titled “The Human League: What Separates Us from Other Animals?” the British Newspaper The Guardian states the following: "What a piece of work is a man! marvels Hamlet. How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! … In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! … The paragon of animals! Hamlet then ponders the paradox at the heart of humankind: what is this quintessence of dust? We are special, but we are … [Read more...] about Why Does Man Exist?
Peace, Peace but There is No Peace
Peace is something that we all desire, seek and want. During the Christmas season, one of the tag lines of the holiday is “let there be peace on earth.” But regardless of how hard the governments of man and individuals work for peace -- it is elusive. Why is that? One of the reasons peace is so elusive is the way power is used and where it is focused. In general, there are two approaches to the use of power. One use of power leads to strife, conflict, and war while the other leads to peace. … [Read more...] about Peace, Peace but There is No Peace
God’s Law Has Consequences
Processing the unfolding events – both worldwide and locally i difficult. By processing, I mean taking the individual components and analyzing them to reach a wise conclusion. It is important that people use a “sound mind” to assess the developments around us which impact us by degrees. We would also do well to keep in mind that God’s law has consequences. Those consequences can be good or bad depending on whether the law is applied or rejected. Sin is the cause of our current crisis and … [Read more...] about God’s Law Has Consequences