People believe in the Bible to varying degrees. Some of us see it as the unerring word of God while others see it as an account of history, wisdom and standards. Still others see it as sprinkled with both wisdom and folly. Then we have those who see no value in it at all. For […]
Jesus changed the world when he came to earth as a man over 2.000 years ago. His character, teaching, miracles and wisdom were and still are unmatched anywhere and anytime. As impactful as his first coming to earth was, he was very specific to let his followers know he would be returning again. Many who […]
The world has changed dramatically! We now live in a time where diverse opinions and beliefs are coming under fire if they conflict with what is deemed as acceptable “social narrative.” In more and more circles, traditional Christian values of God first, fidelity in marriage, morality based on absolutes and mutual respect are under attack. […]
To “challenge” Jesus and succeed is not something you hear about every day, so let’s clarify what we are talking about. Jesus was a speaker of God’s word and a doer of God’s will. Inevitably, challenging this would be a futile effort. When we say “challenge” we mean not following an expected pattern. There were […]
The Bible is full of inspirational accounts of such female heroes of faith like Abigail, Mary and Esther. It also gives us the cautionary tales of the infamous like Jezebel and Delilah. But there is a class of special women in the Bible – both virtuous and sinful – whose stories are told without mentioning […]
We all make judgments, even when we are not thinking about it. If you are listening to this podcast, you are right now deciding whether to keep listening. If you are reading this blog, you are right now considering whether or not to continue reading. This verifies that judging is an important exercise, for it […]
Life can be difficult. We are surrounded with issues, events, opinions, politics and posts that continuously bring us stress and strain. As if this isn’t enough, we add to the frenzy by putting up self-designed roadblocks to block our own way! Why would we do that? Why would we make things harder for ourselves? Turns […]
It is a competitive world out there! I need to focus and to stop at nothing to make my mark. I will apply myself to get the job I want, the life I desire and the status I deserve, while engaging in the leisure and entertainment I crave. Wow! While this description can be of […]
Truth matters. This is something I imagine we would all agree upon and yet we seem to rarely get to the truth. Why? Because we bicker with and debate those who see things differently based on our different versions of the truth. Enter exaggeration. It is a tool of language to make a point, sway an […]
Have you noticed how blurred the world has become? It has become increasingly more difficult to locate and abide by any life guidelines that represent clear boundaries and a clear direction forward. The eighth Commandment was simple: “You shall not steal.” This was a clear directive to not take what is not yours. Fast forward […]
Let’s set the record straight right from the start. As Christians, God does NOT want us to suffer! Having said that, we know He does want us to learn and grow and mature. This means he will permit us to suffer and will use it as a tool to serve our eternal welfare. Now, what […]
God does have a plan for the destiny of humanity. He always has. Think about it – God created man as the crowning feature of the earth’s system of life. Man was given dominion over the planet, sin entered and the whole thing seemed ruined. The thing is, God knew sin would enter. He knew […]
The general consensus in Christianity is that there are two paths, two destinies that await humanity. First, there is the heavenly bliss of being with Jesus. After all, Jesus himself said he was preparing a place for his followers in heaven and that he would bring us there. Second, there is the fiery torturous eternal […]
No one wants to be lonely. It is a sad and painful state of being that daily grows more and more common. There is a major difference between being alone and being lonely. To be alone is to be without anyone to engage with. This can be a productive place to be when in the […]
As Christians, we unequivocally herald the death and resurrection of Jesus as being the absolute centerpiece of our faith. Further, we claim that the entire purpose of our Holy Bible is focused on these events as its primary message. These descriptions are overwhelmingly accurate. But why? Many Christians will answer that we are saved as […]
If you were going to die tomorrow, how would you spend your day today? Jesus faced that very serious question 2,000 years ago. His answer was obvious. He would spend that entire evening with those whom he was closest to. He would prepare them, teach them and encourage them, for what was coming would be […]
21st century Christianity can be confusing. With all of the denominations and interpretations and approaches to Scripture it is hard to fathom they all claim to represent the same thing. So, what is the bottom line? Is being a Christian – a true Christian – a difficult way of life, or is it a privileged […]
Ancient biblical history paints a very specific picture of the world regarding morals and ethics. In the days of the Jewish Law, there were unmistakable lines that anyone of Jewish descent knew they simply should not cross. Just as lying, stealing and murder were lines not to cross, committing adultery was one as well. Fast […]
The first four of the Ten Commandments all have to do with humanity’s relationship to God. These directives came first because our relationship with God should always be the driving factor in our lives. The fifth Commandment focuses on our relationship with our parents and is fashioned after the first four, with honor and respect […]
As Christians, we face the potential for deep trouble each and every day. Why? We live in an age of knowledge, choice, technology and accessibility. This would all be thoroughly awesome, except for one thing. These opportunities come with a healthy dose of what I will call an “entitlement of excess.” Because we can, we […]
Talking about slavery is a sensitive issue, and rightfully so. We live in an age where we recognize that ALL people have rights. We now live in a time where no group of people or any working class should ever be separated from those rights. This was not always so. Many ancient societies survived on […]
…And they lived happily ever after! This is such a promising and bliss-filled ending that is sought after and hoped for by so many. Who wouldn’t want the prospect of happiness and contentment as a recipe for their married life in all their coming days? The truth of the matter is that at the rate […]
Two of the most dramatic lives recorded in the Bible belong to Moses and Jesus. The heroics of Moses life extended over a lifetime of 120 years, whereas Jesus’ heroics were all accomplished within a 33-year lifetime. Despite the dramatic time differences, there are startling similarities between these two deliverers. Moses’ life was recorded and […]
“Words mean things” is a simple and powerful truism that certainly applies to our study of God’s word. In our mistranslation podcast series, we have endeavored to establish how much a text of Scripture can be changed by the mistranslation or misunderstanding of a single word. Every word of inspired Scripture can and should be […]
For any Christian, understanding the Bible and its message should be of paramount importance. The fact that the Bible is a collection of books and letters written in ancient times by various authors presents a challenge to this understanding. We need to learn what is authentic, what is mistranslated and how it all harmonizes. We […]
To honor your father and mother is the 5th of the Ten Commandments given to Moses for Israel. Like all of the other Commandments, this is a very old-fashioned and worn-out sounding principle. I mean, we all know that we should respect our parents to some degree, but are we supposed to let them run […]
Last week we talked about perseverance as an essential aspect of our Christian lives. We saw that persevering means much more than simply hanging on when things are tough. It means we set our hearts and minds on moving forward, no matter how small the steps might be. We examined some Isaiah scriptures that gave […]
Perseverance is not something we talk about much anymore. It sounds like an old word from some other time in history. Now we talk about making demands and our personal perspectives being instantly and unquestioningly accepted by those around us. We now live in a society where it is not about hard work or building […]
Compromise can be so misunderstood. On one hand, we as Christians should be standing for and living a compromise-free life. Nothing should ever water down our life principles of sacrifice. Walking steadfastly in Jesus’ footsteps must always be our immovable goal. On the other hand, there are times and places when compromise is not only […]
Christmas has changed. While the holiday has always had many non-Christian aspects it seems as though the Christ based pieces of the tradition are ever fading. In its place we have Santa, reindeer, trees, gifts, lights, ornaments, food, family and for this year, social distancing. Now most of those things are not bad, with the […]
In part 1 of this two-part series, we discovered several very clear scriptural statements and lines of reasoning that showed us we are justified by faith. Having established that, the most obvious next question is, what about works? How does the Bible define “works of faith”? Is it a work of faith to go to […]
I’m a Christian. I have been called by God to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. I believe that as a sinner, I cannot do anything to earn God’s favor. Jesus’ sacrifice gave me a standing before God that I could not have had without it. So, what now? Jesus promised that all his true followers would […]
Usually this time of year signals having a more festive outlook on things. Having the American holiday of Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas approaching signals cheerful, generous and pleasant interactions. Decorations, excitement and goodwill prevail! Usually. Then there was the year 2020 which brought a pandemic to the world, the likes of which had not […]
In part 2 of our series, we reviewed a list of tools Bible students can use to study the original languages of Scripture. These tools enable non-experts (like us) to unlock the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible to understand what the original inspired words mean and how they are used. Then we examined “spurious” […]
In Part I of our series, we examined the evidence that the Bible is an historically-validated document. Ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrate that what we have today in Scripture is amazingly faithful to the original. We ended that conversation by reviewing modern translations and the question of what are considered the most […]
The Bible is the foundation of our faith. We believe it to be the mind of God expressed to humanity. Its purpose is to tell us things we cannot deduce from nature – like where we come from, how we got to the present time and where we are going. The Bible shows us the […]
Politics. It’s a word that represents a world of power, prestige and problems. It’s a word that conjures up anger, division and disrespect. It is a word that often gives us a sense of retreat and uncomfortable acceptance. Sometimes I think we forget that the ideal perspective of political power is to serve the needs […]
Life and death can be confusing, and we generally fear the death part of the equation. We all want life to mean something. For Christians, that meaning comes through what we do with the one life we are now living. By focusing ourselves on being like Jesus in the here and now, we make the […]
Are ghosts real? Is reincarnation a legitimate process in the patterns of life? For billions of people in our world today, the answers to one or both of these questions is a resounding yes. It all has to do with the mystery of what happens after we die. Life is precious, and because we cannot physically […]
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He set a standard that would influence the world for ages to come. Those ten statements of direction summed up all of what humanity would need to live godly and productive lives. The first two of those Commandments were to have no other gods before God himself […]
Conflict is everywhere! This is not necessarily a bad thing, as proper conflict management at every phase of our lives provides some of life’s most fertile growth experiences. The problem is, we are NOT taught how to manage our conflicts. In the first of our 2-part series, we listed and discussed the Five Degenerating Stages […]
Wearing a mask when you go out. Cleaning and sanitizing anything and everything all the time. Social distancing. Avoiding crowded places. Working from home or not being able to work at all. Seeing friends and family on Zoom instead of in person. It is enough to make the strongest among us to feel battle worn. […]
Conflict is everywhere. Small children need to be guided through conflict when they learn about sharing and scream, “…But that’s MINE!” Adolescents could use some serious education through conflict when they begin to believe their parents are ignorant and rebelliously demand their way. Adults (especially spouses) need practical coaching when they clash with one another’s viewpoints […]
Jesus did a lot of teaching in parables. He chose this method primarily for the purpose of hiding his real meaning from the public in fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah. Occasionally, he spoke a parable meant for his disciples. The story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is such a case. We know the story […]
Slavery. It is a function of a sin ridden imperfect human race. When we hear of people being slaves the reality of what that means has a dramatic range. There was the inhuman harshness of Egyptian domination over Israel and the enslavement of Africans a few hundred years ago. Then there were the Roman and Greek […]
Every Christian group proclaims what they believe to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we all claim to follow his leading and his life. The problem arises when we compare our doctrine, principles and life objectives with one another. Simply stated, it all just does not line up. There are SO many variations of […]
How is Christianity supposed to be organized? If you look at the countless denominations we have today, you will see a wide variety of interpretations regarding leadership. With some, it all boils down to one individual leader. With others, it is a committee of several. In many cases, those in authority have the responsibility of […]
Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” We have work to do! We are living at a time when knowledge is so widespread and bountiful that the average person living in a metropolitan area will be exposed to […]
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, they were in a specific order. Did you ever wonder why the last Commandment was to not covet? To covet in its most basic sense is “to have a strong desire for” something. What was there about the human propensity to want that God saw fit to […]
We live in volatile times. Justifiable demonstrations about justifiable concerns are overshadowed and even hijacked by those who simply seek anarchy and overthrow. We are descending into a tribal approach to our issues. If you do not agree with my perspective and my group, then you are considered a bigoted outsider who deserves to be shunned […]
Religious faith is widely accepted as contrary to reason. It is assumed to be built upon mystical and even fantastical thinking. It is thought that religious faith, when put to a test of reasoned criticism, would fail miserably. This conclusion may be true regarding many different religious systems in our world. We can’t speak for […]
Our society is so advanced we can access the world from the palm of our hand. It is so sophisticated we can communicate our thoughts globally in an instant. But it is so self-absorbed we can design a reality with our own ego at its center. In the ancient history of the Jewish nation, the […]
Christian praise and worship. As with many things subject to interpretation, you will find different applications of these things within the Christian community. For some, praise and worship are expressed in music. This drives their gatherings and feeds positive emotions towards God. For others, they include music and inspiration. They play a significant role in […]
Everybody needs money. Like it or not, it is one of the driving forces that contribute to a successful life. As Christians, we all know we need to be aware of how we handle our money. We also look to Jesus for the core values of our entire lives, so observing what he said about […]
Racism does not happen by accident. It can be taught and exampled to young and unknowing hearts and minds. This is troubling. Even more troubling are the maladies of ignorance, prejudice and bigotry that must be present and flourishing to feed and sustain racist thinking and actions. As Christians, the mere thought of any of […]
George Floyd is dead. Needlessly. His life ended as a result of the uncalled-for brutality of a police officer. This killing has resonated throughout the United States, as well as the world. It has put some of society’s hardest issues in front of our faces. Peaceful protests decrying racism and injustice have occurred all over […]
The spectacular biblical account of David reveals him as a warrior for God, as he protected God’s principles and righteousness. See the first episode of this series for more. It also reveals David as a man of mighty faults. He committed many grievous errors with sad consequences. We explored one of these in our second […]
David was a hero and anointed to become the king of Israel. Long before he assumed the throne, he defeated Goliath in battle, contributed to the sovereignty and protection of Israel and faithfully served under King Saul. All this happened before he was 25 years old. Though he became a fugitive when King Saul turned […]
What do you envision when you think of a warrior? Someone engaged in conflict or struggle? A soldier, discipline, a fighter, training, bravery? King David was one of history’s great warriors. He possessed all of those warrior attributes, and yet he was also a shepherd, poet, musician and songwriter. Tender-hearted and humble, he was faithful […]
As Christians we are always reminded of the importance of sacrificing our own will to do the will of God. Our faithfulness is a direct result of the effort we put into our sacrificial lives. The Old Testament overflows with regulations and propriety regarding making sacrifices to God. These include not only animals sacrifices but grain, oil and […]
One of the Ten Commandments was to “remember the sabbath to keep it holy.” As Christians, we are always saying the Ten Commandments are still a necessary part of God’s Law that we should keep. So, why do the vast majority of Christians have their “day of rest” on Sunday when the sabbath God set […]
Life can be a real challenge when we are pressed by personal anxiety or depression. These things can not only burden our days, they can constrict and suffocate our very moments. As difficult as living is under these circumstances, think about the overwhelming confusion anxiety and depression would bring to a child. They begin to […]
Everyone at times in their life feels anxiety. Sometimes it is a simple reaction to having to do or say something that we would rather avoid. Other times it is a more powerful reaction that lingers and may even cause us interrupted sleep or a lack of focus. These are feelings of anxiety. They are […]
For many of us, daily life is a secret struggle. Some of us go through the motions of our daily routines while inwardly carrying overwhelming fear and anxiety. We don’t want to share what we feel as it is not only embarrassing, it is impossible to describe. For others of us, even our daily routines […]
As Christians, we are clearly taught to live our lives in harmony with God’s will and His ways by following in the footsteps of Jesus. We all know this challenge is one we can never fulfill with perfection. We all have experienced failure along these lines. Because we are imperfect, God expects us to fail, […]
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc. The virus itself is bad enough, but for most of us the havoc comes from what has been put in place to keep it from spreading. Jobs have been lost, social, religious and family gatherings are all on hold. We are supposed to just stay home. It feels […]
Easter Sunday is a widely celebrated holiday. It is a day that represents life. For Christians, it represents life in its highest form because it is about the resurrection of Jesus. It is far too easy to lose the deep meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory in the commotion and fanfare of Easter eggs, the […]
Jesus is our hero. His example, his teachings, his works and his faithfulness are absolutely legendary. They provide a flood of inspiration for anyone who would want it. To think of Jesus as being troubled in mind seems to be completely contrary to what we think of our Savior. After all, the book of Hebrews […]
COVID-19 was not sent by God! Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more details.
Social distancing. Three months ago, if you had heard that term you may have thought it was describing someone who was a loner or someone who swore off social media. Now we not only all know what it means, we feel its meaning and it is frightening. I was in the grocery store today, and on the […]
As Christians, we often talk about the necessity of forgiveness. We need to be forgiven and to forgive others. When it comes to talking about mercy, we always seem to focus on God’s mercy. Rightly so. God’s mercy is a resounding theme throughout the entire Bible. His eternal wisdom and plan could not even exist […]
Burnout is nasty. As we found out in Part I of our two-part series, it can demoralize and diminish the efforts and quality of care from medical professionals and first responders. But it doesn’t stop there. Even though the rest of us may not have other’s lives in our hands, burnout is more than capable […]
It is a common saying that the two things you can count on in life are death and taxes. While that might be true, there is another thing lurking in the background of the lives of more and more people every day: BURNOUT. With all of the overstimulation a technology-based society produces, we are set […]
There is no denying the New Testament – and actually the entire Bible – is all about Jesus. His sacrifice for humanity is proclaimed from Genesis to Revelation. He IS the key to the gospel. Having said this, the life and writings of the Apostle Paul dominate much of the New Testament. His experiences and […]
For every Christian, Jesus is THE example, leader and fulfiller of our faith. We continually gain inspiration from his perfect example and unselfish sacrifice. When we think about a less-than-perfect Christian example, most of us go to the Apostle Peter or the Apostle Paul. Both men showed us how to achieve spiritual victory through imperfection. […]
(See Part I of this topic.) In many ways, the Apostle Paul was like a magnet. Over the last 2,000 years, his preaching, teaching and writing have attracted countless millions to seek out what being a Christian really means. He was a leader in every sense of the word. He lived his faith to Jesus […]
The Apostle Paul is a Christian icon. He essentially wrote half of the New Testament as he carried the gospel far and wide. He suffered dramatically for his faith, was challenged regularly by those in authority and even stood up to the Apostle Peter when it was needed. When you read his words, you cannot […]
The Christian belief in being “born again” can be at the very least confusing. Does it mean you get to restart your life, kind of like a do-over? Is it beginning a brand new life lived in a brand new context? Does being born again mean you are the same person with the same issues, […]
We know every Christian wants to go to heaven. The real question is, does every Christian know what is required to get there? Last week we began to talk about the several important elements God has put in place. These define not only His plan in general, but they clearly show us what the Christian […]
So, what does the road to heaven actually look like? If you look across the wide spectrum of Christian beliefs you will find far more variety in the answer than you might have thought. You would expect all of the answers to include believing in Jesus – and that’s a good start. However, the Bible […]
Life is often measured by time. Our society is hyperfocused on immediate gratification, which means we don’t want to have to wait. We don’t want to have any interval pass before we get what we want. We have scheduled events, appointments, work hours, lunch breaks and periods for sleep. All of these things are time-driven. […]
Yup! It’s another New Year and that means another opportunity to start some things that are new, different and good for us! It also means we consider stopping (or at least reducing) those things in life that aren’t so good for us. It all sounds so easy, except for one little detail that can be […]
When we talk about the “spirit” of something, we are trying to describe what that something was intended to look like or result in. Let’s take the spirit of a law. Whatever that law may be interpreted as meaning, or however it might be applied, needs to be checked against what the law was actually […]
To live is to decide. No matter who you are and what environment you live in, you will most likely be pressed with making an untold number of decisions. These will directly influence how your life will unfold. This can be a scary thought because no one wants to make decisions that are bad! Yet, […]
Right is right and wrong is wrong! A few generations ago, morality and ethics seemed simple: There were things you knew you should and should not do. There were principles you knew needed to be present when it came down to making appropriate decisions. There were societal consequences for stepping outside of those lines. Now […]
We are going about our lives doing the best we can when suddenly we are receiving criticism for our talk, dress, actions or beliefs. Now what? Are we immediately defensive? Do we hurl back insults and accusations? Or do we cave internally, feeling really bad about ourselves and finding it hard to recover and move […]
This of the most basic manners we teach our kids. We generally start by instructing them how to appropriately make a request for something and how to graciously receive it. How do you ask? “Please!” What do you say? “Thank you!” These two simple communication tools (which incidentally seem to have been misplaced in our […]
It’s funny how certain fanciful images make their way into the human mind and somehow become a part of our belief foundation. Case in point – someone dies and the next thing we know, we visualize them standing before those massive and ornate “pearly gates” of heaven. Once issued their wings and harp, we see […]
As Christians we follow Jesus. His life story is told in the New Testament of the Bible and we rightfully focus on those books. Sometimes though, our focus brings us away from the rest of the story – the Old Testament. We think, why do we need all of that Jewish history? Why do we […]
Have you ever heard the expression “putting out the fleece” when referring to someone trying to make a decision? Its origin comes from an unlikely biblical hero from an unremarkable tribe. He was the youngest of an insignificant family. Yet, Gideon was chosen by God to do a mighty work – to free Israel from […]
The world is scary in a lot of ways. There is an “anything goes” mentality surrounding us. This gives us the feeling there is no buffer between us and the dark, worldly or spiritual influences that exist. One of these dark influences is reflected in the rising popularity of satanism. When we hear that word […]
How often do we hear of someone who just seems to have everything going wrong in their lives? They suffer loss, they have physical ailments, they are deeply distressed and their life seems to be going nowhere. Sometimes when we are that suffering person, we may begin to wonder, what did I do to deserve […]
Most Christians will tell you that once you are called to Christ, it means you are called to be “footstep followers of Jesus.” While this description is easily given, it is not so easily explained. How can we walk in his footsteps as a disciple when we are really nothing like him? He was perfect, […]
Being uprooted can mean a lot of different things. It can be the onset of a disease or disability, the loss of a job or loved one or experiencing a difficult trauma. Maybe it is a change of location – a physical move or perhaps an emotional jolt that makes us reset our thinking. Being […]
One of the very basic tenets of Christianity is the belief that God does not change. We see him as omnipotent, above the fray and the embodiment of clear vision and intention. As such we believe that when God’s plan has been put in motion it is a universally unstoppable force. Enter the concept of […]
Sometimes we have people in our lives who seem to create difficulty wherever they go. This can be for a variety of reasons including the fact that WE could be actually attracting such folks into our experiences. For now, let’s assume there are some people who simply live unhappy and unfulfilled lives. In their search […]
This continues our series on Bible Contradictions. The life of Jesus as a man on earth was filled with wonder, teaching and miracles. His obedience to his Father’s will was the centerpiece of his mission, as he came to pay the ransom price for Adam. Critics say Jesus’ earthly life was also filled with contradictions. […]
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. Genesis is the first book of the Bible and its foundation. It lays out for us the origin of the intricacies of our world, as well as the origins of the human race. Morality is introduced, and this book takes us through the first few thousand years of […]
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. Ask any Christian and they will tell you one of the greatest – if not THE greatest – events in all of biblical history is the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. We laud this event as the undeniable guarantee that God’s plan for the world’s salvation is […]
This continues our series on biblical contradictions. See Part I and Part II for more. We all need foundational principles to believe in and solid ground to stand on. Human nature thrives where such a firm base can be found. Achievement can flourish when there is unflinching belief, in a relationship, the science of a […]
It is a sad thing to say, but slander and gossip are easy. They are. Whether by spoken word or social media interaction, we are set up to say things, write things and imply things about others without recourse. For some reason we think it is okay to slam those we don’t like with twisted […]
Jesus died for our sins, and if we believe in him we will go to heaven. This common Christian belief that ties Jesus’ sacrifice and our salvation up into one neat package sounds simple, but it actually raises many questions. What does it mean to “believe” in Jesus? Is belief in his teachings the point […]
Jealousy and envy are often very secret sins. We invite them into our lives and harbor them deeply in our hearts where they fester and grow. One day we look around, and if we are observant, we realize we are seeing our world through different and damaged eyes. Jealousy and envy not only damage our […]
The New Testament gives us a clear picture of Jesus replacing the Old Testament Law as our path to life. As Christians we all agree with this, and yet so many of us still follow parts of that old Jewish Law. Why? Are certain aspects of it supposed to be carried over? Are we required […]
Most people seem to have a sense there is something beyond this life, that death is not a permanent end. This “sense” is expressed in a myriad of differing beliefs about life and death. Every Christian denomination believes in the resurrection of the dead, but the similarities stop there. Looking at the Scriptures we find […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains why God’s word can be tough to digest, and how we can get the most out of our studies. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
The Prodigal Son is One of Jesus’ most famous parables. Most interpret this story to depict sinners running away from God and then coming back. Inspirational? Yes, but NOT the main point. The strange parable of the Unjust Steward that detailed exactly what was happening as the Pharisees were losing God’s favor. What lessons can […]
Jesus was and is evidence of God’s love for humanity. The proof is not just in the fact that he came to ransom us from sin and death. It is also displayed in how he taught us God’s plan. Still, it is admittedly hard to grasp what God’s plan is about especially when he spoke […]
We live in a time and place where we are blessed with freedom of speech. This means we have freedom to preach! Preach what? The Gospel of Christ of course! Now, depending on your perspective, the “good news” of the gospel can mean a wide variety of things. When we present Jesus to someone, are […]
One of the most famous Scripture says, “God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son” for it. For many, the obvious follow-up response is, “Great! Then why is the world more messed up now than ever before?” In truth, God does love humanity. His love is expressed in a profound and eternal […]
The whole idea of fatherhood seems to have changed. In this age of one-parent families in which the present parent is overwhelmingly the mom, we accepted and embraced minimizing the need of a living-at-home dad. I certainly understand not wanting any child to feel inferior because they don’t have a dad in their life, but […]
Christian unity. It has such a reassuring sound to it. To be unified in Christ is to be in a position of not merely mutual acceptance but in a position of locking arms and co-laboring for the accomplishment of something far bigger than any one of us The problem is the reality in which we […]
Several weeks ago (see Part 1) we began a journey down what might be considered a tricky path as we took a first step towards addressing an enormous subject – perceived Bible contradictions. This is a huge undertaking, not only because of the Bible’s very nature, being ancient and authored by several over many centuries, […]
We have all seen arrogance. Sometimes it comes across as ultimate confidence and a sense of indestructibility and we might admire it. Sometimes it comes across as a cocky, self-absorbed perspective and we are appalled by it. The point is, whether we are looking at someone in their self-proclaimed loftiness in a positive or a […]
The King James Bible says righteousness and judgment (although this word judgment should more accurately be translated as “righteousness”) are the foundation of God’s throne. This picture language shows us that God does indeed judge everyone, and everything and His judgments are based on that which is right and equitable. So, how does it work? […]
There is probably no role we as humans play that is more taken for granted than that of being a mother. From carrying the unborn to feeding and protecting the newborn to nurturing the toddler to teaching the child, she quietly continues. From understanding the adolescent to challenging the young adult to supporting the independent […]
(After this, head over to Part 2 for more.) The Bible is a big, complex and deeply misunderstood book. It was written over a period of 1,500 years by up to 40 authors. It was written in three different languages. To make matters more complicated, it has been translated a myriad of times through the […]
Why criticism? We don’t like it. For the vast majority of us, receiving it invokes feelings of angst, anger and resentment. Being criticized usually ends in a sense of being defeated and often leads us to resentment and a desire to lash out at whoever has been critical to give them a taste of their […]
You can learn a lot about someone if you know how they pray and what they pray for, especially when they are in the midst of crisis. When we are in trauma, do we suddenly reach up to God with greater fervor and feelings of faith than we normally would? Do we focus just on […]
What comes to mind when you think about the Last Supper? Perhaps you envision the famous Leonardo da Vinci painting which captures the moment Jesus revealed there was a traitor in their midst. Maybe you focus on Jesus helping his apostles to prepare for the trauma of his coming crucifixion. Perhaps you dwell on Jesus […]
Have you ever thought about what it means to be given “the spirit of power and love and sound mind” as stated in 2 Timothy 1:7? With this spirit of power, shouldn’t all enemies of God cower before us as we call them out for what they are? With this spirit of love, shouldn’t we […]
Everyone needs hope. With a clear hope we can conquer all kinds of obstacles. Without it we lose our motivation to continue on. The problem is that life moves fast – so fast that we rarely slow down enough to realize what is – or should be – driving us. This means we rarely ever […]
It is far too easy to fall into the trap of looking for God’s permission to do or act or respond when we really should be seeking His providential guidance. This is tricky – how do we tell the difference? How do we uncover what God would have us do in contrast to what He […]
How often do we as Christians look at our experiences, determine what God’s will is for us and then notice it just happens to coincide with what we want? It is far too easy to fall into the trap of looking for God’s permission to do or act or respond when we really should be […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, Peter continues his first-hand experience with Jesus in this short, animated video. Please be sure to watch Part 1. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video is told from Peter’s perspective. Please be sure to watch Part 2. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
“Love one another as I have loved you.” The kingdom of God is at hand.” “Bless those who persecute you.” “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” These are just a few of the profound teachings of Jesus, but how do we determine which was most important? Many Christians have differences regarding priorities […]
Jesus had certain priorities and many important teachings, but what was his “most important thing”? Should it also be ours? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more.
Life is overflowing with opportunities, and I’m not talking about the big things that change your world. I’m talking about the small and often-overlooked chances in your everyday to refocus on the good, or to simply be kind or to elevate a conversation rather than diminish it. Many of our life experiences come from small […]
Life’s biggest problems can begin with some of its simplest choices. The story of Lot teaches us that even righteous people can just miss the mark by compromising what they know to be right. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video offers ideas for kids in dealing with fear, using scriptural examples. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
A Christian’s calling is to follow in Jesus footsteps. A great opportunity and we both know how hard this can be to accomplish. It all centers on our human mind – is the control hub of everything. The direction of our Christian mind hangs in the balance between opposing forces. Watch this short vlog then […]
Sometimes we are called by destiny. Queen Esther of the Old Testament showed us what can happen when circumstances open the door for uncharacteristic heroism. In Part 1, we told the story of how a Jewish teenage girl kept her calm and found a way to save her people at great personal risk. She worked […]
We put the Bible aside and examined what science has revealed about the macro and micro complexity of every aspect of nature. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Atheists will tell you there is no scientific proof of God nor can there be. They have a materialistic view of the universe that, by definition, excludes God. Though this philosophy is pervasive in the world today, there is much evidence that reveals a great deal of willing ignorance in that belief. Is science the […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video helps our imperfect brains imagine how God is able to see everything by using smaller examples. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss another new video!
Should children be baptized? Is baptism a symbol? Who or what should be baptized? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Baptism is an enormous part of Christianity. It is mentioned frequently and seriously throughout the New Testament. While most Christians agree on its importance, we vastly disagree on its meaning and place within our teachings. Is baptism a symbol of what has begun changing in you or does it actually change you? Is it a […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video answers an important question about our Creator. It also describes His qualities that we appreciate. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Marriage is difficult but there are a lot of biblical principles that can help us thrive through the difficult times. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for thought-provoking ways to inject more life and love into the long haul.
‘Til death do us part! Not all that long ago those words (which were in some way included in every marriage ceremony) really meant something. They symbolized the depth of a promise made between a man and a woman to stand beside one another through any and all circumstances. This phrase might not be in […]
Who and what does God consider holy and UNholy? Watch this short vlog then listen to the podcast of the same name.
Christianity is confusing. There are so many brands to choose from and so many ways we are shown to express it. For some of us, Christianity is saving the world here and now. For others, it is being charitable and kind. Then there are those who say that following Jesus is for our own personal […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video for kids answers one of life’s saddest questions in a compelling, non-scary way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video.
Without communication, human life would cease to exist. We need to express ourselves and absorb the expressions of others. People need to be heard. The need to share thoughts, feelings and lives with one another gave birth to the phenomena of social media. We need to pause and consider. Somewhere along the line, our […]
Communication in its highest form is often looked at as the deep connection between two souls that barely needs words…in the Bible it’s different. It focuses on the expressiveness between us in relation to the cause of Christianity itself. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast with the same name.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains how God treats people differently based on the situation and the time period in which they live. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Esther was no more than 20 years old, and became queen of the Persian Empire but not because of some political treaty. It was because of her stunning beauty. Her pedigree for being queen (besides the providence of God) was that she won a beauty contest. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full […]
On March 20 this year, Jewish people will celebrate the annual festival of Purim. This festival commemorates the defeat of Haman’s plot to massacre the Jews as recorded in the book of Esther. This book reads like a movie script – we have a beautiful, courageous heroine that was way outside of her comfort zone […]
The conversation continues from our weekly podcasts to specfically address listener questions. Listen in as Rick and CQ Contributor, Julie, discuss three questions on how Christians at different periods in their walk can approach Bible study to make it even more impactful. If you would like a free booklet, “How to Study the Bible and Have […]
In ancient Greek, the word “hypocrite” meant a stage actor. This is a good word for people who are one way but present another. The Pharisees were a great example, and Jesus gave them seven “woes” we can take to heart today. Watch this short vlog then listen to the podcast of the same name.
Nobody likes a hypocrite. Nobody likes it when you proclaim yourself to be a certain way or stand up for specific principles or speak up in support of a clear ideology and then display yourself to be a walking contradiction. Nobody likes lip service or pretend support, especially when there are circumstances that require firm […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains the reasons why we spend our time with other Christians on Sundays. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
There is so much good in the world, but it seems the bad is overwhelming it. You can’t read the headlines without thinking how will this all end. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for a little hope in the inky black around us.
We often look around at the world and think about how horrible things are. Being wicked is in vogue. Yet, more people have more advantages now than at any time in history. The average life expectancy throughout the world has dramatically increased, and in most countries technology is in the hands of the average person. […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video offers some reasonable guesses about Jesus’ appearance based on what we know about his life. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
As another year rolls around, many of us feel like it’s time to shake off the lethargy of our most recent habits and experiences and dive headlong into the “new me.” THIS time I’m gonna make those changes! This time I’m gonna see it through! This time I’m not going to let circumstances or feelings […]
There are lots of biblical examples of decisions that ended up poorly. And they were about some basic things, like what to believe, who to trust and stubbornly holding a grudge. It’s scary – we can get into bad situations regarding those things that Christian principles obviously guide us on – all because of we […]
What can those who were involved in the birth of Jesus teach us about joy? How can you find inspiration from the story of Christ’s birth that will carry you through the rest of the year? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
We all know the often-quoted scripture that highlights Jesus’ birth: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” This announcement is stirring for many reasons, not the least of which is the comprehensiveness of its scope. It is a message to ALL people, and further, […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video tells the story we all love to hear in a charming, heart-warming way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Listen in as Rick and CQ Contributor, Julie, discuss three questions related to our recent podcast on whether or not it’s God’s fault we have evil in this world including: 04:42 Why do some people have a disproportionate experience with sorrow and evil that is not a result of their own choices and natural consequences? […]
God IS accountable for the evil in this world – BUT – that’s less than half the truth on the matter! Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Every Christian acknowledges the evil that permeates our world, though explaining its depth and purpose can be challenging. We always say it is a result of sin and Satan – and that’s true. The harder question most don’t ask or want to ask is whether or not God is responsible for evil. If He is […]
As Christians we are always talking about faith and its indispensable role in our lives, for without it we really are not true Christians at all. We are always looking for ways to inspire our faith towards higher and more mature levels. Finding this motivation does not have to be a difficult task, as the […]
Can the Old Testament faith heroes actually be relevant today? What can we learn from them? A foundation. They give us the materials on which to build a successful Christian life. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast #1051 – What Do the Faithful Old Testament Characters Teach Us?
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video details the account of Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness. We also learn more about Jesus’ beautiful characteristics that we should copy. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Salvation is a controversial topic. What are we saved from? Who gets saved? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Fundamental to all of Christianity is the foundational teaching of salvation. The problem is that the actual interpretation of salvation shifts dramatically depending upon which denomination or group you belong to. For some, it is speaking words of acceptance and offering a simple prayer. For others, it is belonging to a specific church, and for […]
Our conversation continues…listen in as Rick and CQ Contributor, Julie, discuss three questions related to our recent podcast on Tithing including: Does tithing belong in Christianity? Just because tithing in the Bible doesn’t involve money, are you saying we should donate land or cattle instead? If it’s true the Bible doesn’t teach people to tithe […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains the importance of talking to God even though He knows everything about us. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Let’s face it – the Bible really does a lot of focusing on men. Adam was created before Eve, Noah saved humanity and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were the patriarchs of the nation of Israel. The prophets, Jesus and the Apostles – all men. So where does that leave the women of the Bible? The […]
Mary and Martha were sisters and friends of Jesus. They show up in the Bible three times, but you won’t believe how deep the lessons go! Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Gratitude is a most precious and basic human response. Jesus expands this thankfulness lesson in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. How are these verses a recipe for Christian living and how to they relate to gratitude? For an unusual take on the topic of be thankful, watch this short vlog then listen to the full […]
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is a day that was originally set aside as a national holiday to stop the activities of our busy lives and thank God for His providence. Fast forward a few hundred years and what do we have – a day set aside for family friends food and football. Being […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video offers practical ways to show our thankfulness in an engaging way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Parents and Bible class teachers, this topic can be confusing for some. Fortunately, this short, animated video explains the holy spirit in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
The events of that first Day of Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection were a unique, once in all of history occurrence. Many Christian churches today still believe in the gift of speaking in tongues, but with dramatic differences. Modern tongues are spoken with unintelligible sounds as many believe that they are speaking a “prayer language” to […]
Sometimes the Bible is really dramatic. Take the day of Pentecost in Acts which was fifty days after Jesus was crucified. The apostles were told by the risen Jesus to hang around Jerusalem, and on the morning of this particular day there were fireworks – literally, there were fireworks that came down from heaven. Not […]
Life is a great blessing! Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains why He created us. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Ugh. We all procrastinate at some time, but why? We know time is precious and a gift from God, so why aren’t we using it better? What steps or habits can we cultivate to prevent ourselves from being in a constant state of procrastination stress? Watch this quick vlog then listen to the entire podcast […]
(We apologize for the sound quality in the first audio segment – it clears up quickly!) I’m not even going to ask the question because, let’s face it we all know what the answer is. Procrastination is common with all of us. The only real question is, “What kind of procrastinator am I? Do I […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, we are seeing a resurgence of occult practices, and the ‘normalization’ of witchcraft. Let there be no mistake – these are things the Lord detests that we should steer clear of. This short, animated video explains why. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video.
October brings Autumn and Autumn brings a major change of seasons. Leaves brilliantly change color as they die, the harvesting of crops comes to its end and the colder weather sets in. It is at this time of nature “closing up shop,” this time of things dying, that Halloween and all that comes with it […]
The Bible does explain much – not specifically about zombies, but about whether or not “the undead” can even exist at all. What does the Bible say about zombies, the undead, ghosts and disembodied spirits? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name for more on this spooky subject.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video discusses this important topic in a non-scary way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Jesus spoke in parables, and often the greater lesson in these can be difficult to understand. What lessons are there in this story from Luke 15:11-32? Watch this short video to get you started with your own study.
Where do demons come from? Satan as the first rebel against God not only affected the course of human history, but he changed the heavens as well. Satan drew many of the heavenly host to him and away from God with devastating results. Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the […]
We really are messed up. Just look around and observe the kinds of things we call “entertainment,” and it quickly becomes obvious that human minds have an unhealthy fascination with the powers of darkness. How many movies, TV shows and online series and stories focus on dark spiritual power? How many depictions of Satan and […]
Angels are such an interesting topic for most people, but what do we really know about them and how they operate? And what about “guardian angels” – do we all have them? How can we – or should we – communicate with them? Watch this short vlog and then listen to the full podcast of […]
As far as I’m concerned, angels are pretty much a mystery to us. I think that we have very limited knowledge of what goes on up there in heaven and are just given glimpses of what angels have done here on earth at God’s command. Further, we have no strong biblical reason to believe that […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video offers practical ways that children can praise God. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Faith brings life-changing trust. Faith is also a gift. There are three basic phases to Christian faith – what are they and how do they work? Watch this short vlog and then listen to the podcast of the same name.
Faith is awe-inspiring in its transformative power, reassuring in its calming ability and provides powerful contentment as we apply it daily. Faith is also one of the most misunderstood, misrepresented and maligned aspects in all Christianity. It is too easily confused with ignorant hope, and as a result, is easily dismissed by its detractors as […]
For a Christian, blooming where planted is about putting down our Christian roots in the life God gave to us. Blooming comes from watering, feeding and sunshine – it’s a result of acquiescing to the will and way of God. Sometimes we begin to focus on the uncertain future and think “There’s Doom where I’m […]
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence! As we go about the business of making our lives work, we can easily and frequently wind up looking at others around us with some level of envy. They seem to have it better than we do, they seem to be more stable […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, thinking about death can be frightening. This short, animated video provides answers in a tactful, non-scary way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video.
What is the business of Christianity? What are we here to do and how is it supposed to be accomplished? To cut through all of the rhetoric, what does it monetarily cost to follow Jesus – is it 10% of your income? More? How much of our Christian message, method and motivation is based – […]
Many churches claim that “tithing,” church members donating 10% of their income, has an obvious Old Testament foundation. Does it? Old Testament tithing was land based and no tithe was ever given in monetary form. Is there any connection to what happens today? Watch this short vlog then listen to the podcast of the same […]
Leadership is a key to success in almost every part of life. When it is done well, those being led not only engage, but they have a tangible opportunity to grow and even be transformed. When done poorly, those who should be led can become apathetic, lazy and directionless. Now, we need to be careful […]
Biblical leadership is likened to being a shepherd, however many Christian leaders of our day fall woefully short of this example. So, how do you gain trust, foster teamwork, inspire and evaluate, all at the same time? Watch this short vlog and then listen to the podcast of the same name.
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video explains basic questions about the Bible in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Most of us have friends, but they’re not often really good friends. What’s missing? Intimacy. Intimacy among friends is profoundly valuable and also rare. Helen Keller said, “I would rather walk in the dark with a friend than walk alone in the light.” We all yearn for that kind of powerful and lasting influence in […]
BFF. Best Friends Forever. These three words conjure up an image of connectedness and loyalty that any one of us would want to be a part of. Sadly, it is an image that for many will only ever remain a thought and never become a tangible reality. Why is that? Why are so many of […]
The fountain of youth. The cure for cancer. A magic diet pill. We would all love to have these incredible “miracles” for whatever ails us. When Jesus walked the earth 2,000 years ago he, in a sense, was a life-changing elixir and a source of quick fixes as he healed the masses. Who wouldn’t have […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this animated video details the basics of prayer, what we should NOT be praying for and what our attitude should be when we pray. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Marriage was established and blessed by God in the Garden of Eden and the scriptures give man free choice regarding the decision to marry. The Apostle Paul, who was unmarried, encouraged Christians to consider doing the same. “I wish that all people were as I am.” He reasoned that an unmarried person is able to […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, have your kids watch this short, animated video to learn more about why we try to always be truthful. Be sure to check out our podcast episode 937, “Should We Ever Lie?” for more examples and Scriptures. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
No one ever wants to experience betrayal. It is easily one of the most devastating life events we can imagine. When we come face-to-face with it, it shocks, breaks and undermines much – if not all – of what we hold dear. For many, once we are betrayed it becomes a cancer that cannot be […]
Betrayal is one of the worst feelings we can have and causes ripple effects throughout our life and those around us. There is relief! Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name to chart your path out of this despair.
Loyalty is squarely built upon three core beliefs; trust, a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. Trust comes from words, actions or a track record that builds confidence. When we feel safer or better off as a result of someone or something, we trust. A Christian’s trust is based on the ever solid […]
Humanity is built for loyalty. We have wired within us a longing to be seen and accepted by others as trusted and important. We are also blessed with a deep desire to give allegiance and live with faithfulness to those whom we deem worthy of our fidelity. If you just stop and think about being […]
Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video details the things we can see and experience to help us realize that God exists. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
How could Jesus have died for just the chosen and still have redeemed the entire human race? The Bible seems to send mixed messages on this question, however if we look at the big picture context of these things it reveals a whole new level of meaning. To get answers to these seemingly contradictory Scriptures, […]
Every Christian adheres to and celebrates the belief that Jesus died to pay for our sins. In the spirit of Jesus’ own words saying “there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved,” we go about preaching the good news of the salvation made available through the life, death and resurrection […]
Sometimes we go along with everything running full steam ahead and we feel very close to the Lord. Other times, life gets in the way and our Christian world seems distant and less important. How do we get that zeal back? Watch this short vlog and then listen to the podcast of the same name […]
When we think of Christian faith we often think of those heroes past and present whose lives reflect the courage and fortitude needed to stand up for Christ in the face of an opposite world. We recall their drive, experiences and actions and feel inspired. What zeal! Then we look at our own lives, and […]
(For more on the story of our guest, Amy, see Episode 829: “What Happens When Life Gets Broken?”) The world has changed on every level and in every way. As those things which were hidden and covered up in our society are being revealed we begin to see aspects of our social order in a […]
It seems like the #metoo movement still isn’t done helping to “out” bad behavior around the world. Some say the Bible encourages poor treatment of women, but is any part of that true? Watch this quick vlog and listen to the full podcast of the same name for more on this timely subject.
Some people say you have to be baptized as a baby, others say as an adult. Some say it is completely unneccesary. Is it a requirement of all Christians? Watch this short video to see our thoughts.
This great question was submitted to us by a 10-year-old listener. Parents and Bible class teachers, subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!
Christianity at work…for the most part, we all need to support ourselves. That self-supporting system generally comes in three phases. First is the education phase, where we are supposed to choose what self-support direction to take and then how to do it. Second is the work of making ends meet, which for most of us, […]
Would the people who see us on Sunday recognize us on a random Wednesday at our jobs? When we are faced with ethical dilemmas or something as “innocent” as office gossip, do we stand up for what is right? Hold our tongue and wait for it to be over? Or do we cross a line […]
Jesus talked more about the kingdom than any other topic! But he described it in seemingly contradictory ways. Watch this short vlog and then listen to the podcast of the same name. Is Jesus talked so much about it, it must be important!
What part of the gospel did Jesus most focus on teaching? For many of us the answer would be simple: Jesus taught love; love one another as he and God love us. While this is a beautiful and profound answer, it is surprisingly incorrect. Jesus focused probably three times more on teaching about the kingdom […]
What is glorifying God supposed to be? Do our praise and worship sufficiently satisfy the “glorifying God equation” in our daily lives? Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Praise God! Psalm 34:3 says, “Magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!” As Christians we often think of glorifying God as an incredibly positive exercise in expression, excitement, joy and passion. Our praise and worship usually bring us to feeling His love and power, and this in turn opens […]
Listen to this quick vlog on Christian liberty, our license, danger zones and powerful scriptural examples, then listen to the full podcast of the same title.
Everyone loves the idea of being free, and in America we especially are reminded of the privilege of liberty at this time of year. Unfortunately I think many of us do not really understand what freedom and liberty are, and even more so what they are not. In reality, true liberty by very definition has […]
See Episode #1021 Part I and Episode #1024 Part II. Understanding the truth of the hellfire teaching is difficult. On one hand, we have powerful Christian tradition that has for over 1500 years emphatically taught that all who do not come to Jesus will suffer eternal torment and torture for their sins. Hard teaching […]
We had an outpouring of response to Parts I and II of this series. In Part III of the podcast, we directly explain some difficult Scriptures that at first glance seem to support a burning, eternal hellfire. Watch this short vlog and then grab your Bible and listen to the full podcast of the same […]
Are some transgressions worse than others? Can we find solace in the thought that “at least my sins are not as bad as that guy over there!” Watch this short vlog then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Let’s start by stating the obvious. Sin is bad. To act in accordance with sin is to act in a way that is not only contrary to the will of God but is also damaging to our standing before God. It is obvious that if we want to be pleasing to God then we need […]
Are you a peacemaker or a peacekeeper? What’s the difference and which is what we are supposed to be? Watch this short vlog and listen to the podcast of the same name for more.
The world is not a peaceful place. It seems to have become especially hostile in the arena of thoughts and perspectives. For some reason we can no longer tolerate a dissenting opinion – rather than respectfully listening to disagreement, we instead resoundingly lash out with personal attacks, sarcasm and a self-righteous indignation. Pretty sad, huh? […]
“The end result of God’s judgment upon those who do not accept Jesus is eternal fire and torment.” Such is the serious warning of many Christians of many centuries before us and of our day as well. Their studied claim is that Jesus was specific,and his words are the words of the Gospel and are […]
Part 2 of this 3-part vlog continues with reviewing history and Scripture to show that there is no burning hell of eternal torture. Watch this short video then listen to the full podcast of the same name.
Israel is a country that only covers about 21,000 square kilometers (not even in the top 150 countries – about the size of New Jersey) and houses about 8.3 million people (which figures to be about .11% of the world’s population). Yet for its insignificance, this land is always in the news and always seems […]
The Old Testament serves as a factual and archeological source for tracing Israel’s past and how they developed as a nation. The 12 sons of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) were the beginnings of the nation and they moved into the land that would also bear that same name. Why are there so […]
As believers, we know the Bible is true and harmonious, but sometimes that means we need to harmonize scriptures that seem to contradict one another. For example, the Scriptures tell us that the earth will both live forever AND be destroyed – how does that work? How can we apply a particular study technique to […]
“Just be yourself, no can ask any more of you than that.” This is such free and easy advice – someone has probably said it to you, and you have probably said it to someone else. But what does it mean? The fact is we sometimes end up defined by our circumstances or perceptions. In […]
“Just be yourself, no can ask any more of you than that.” This is such free and easy advice – someone has probably said it to you, and you have probably said it to someone else. But what does it mean? Is being yourself just reacting to whatever comes your way with a knee-jerk impulse? […]
It is called Hellfire. For many centuries the churches have taught that when sinners die they face a punishment of eternal torment and torture in hell. Reading some of the descriptions of how this intense and endless torture works will make your skin crawl and your stomach turn. Yet, those who adhere to such teaching are […]
For many centuries the churches have taught that when sinners die they face a punishment of eternal torment and torture in hell. Reading some of the descriptions of how this intense and endless torture works will make your skin crawl and your stomach turn. Yet, those who adhere to such teaching are firm in their […]
Doubt primarily comes to us two ways: intellectual and emotional. What’s the difference and how do they work together? We all wonder, and at times we all second guess. So, what of it? Is there a way to look at our questions and insecurities in a different light? How do you overcome your doubts and […]
If you have doubts that means you must not have faith. So goes the typical thinking of many Christians. If we adhere to this thought then each and every one of us will need to brace for our next crisis of faith, because the fact is we ALL doubt. We all question. We all wonder […]
Mercy or justice? Both! Mercy and justice are not only inseparable but fully dependent upon one another. Look at God’s impartiality. It’s clean. We can see His integrity ONLY when we connect what He did in biblical times to what we know about His motives and plan. Simply stated, God’s justice is restorative. It not […]
MERCY or JUSTICE? We often see them as opposites. When someone does something particularly bad we want justice in its harshest and most direct form to be there waiting for them. We tend to see justice as hard but righteous punishment reserved for those who we feel deserve it. Mercy is perceived differently. Often when […]
One of the most amazing things about Jesus calling followers was that he often did things to turn people away. In John 6 he said following him required the eating his flesh and drinking his blood. In Luke 14 he said that to be worthy of him, you had to hate your family – all […]
It is so easy to talk about following Jesus. After all, he came as our Savior, voluntarily sacrificed his life and opened up the way to heaven for us. Why wouldn’t you want to align yourself with someone who wipes away your sins and can give you eternity in the process? It’s a no brainer, […]
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