Posts from 2024

In 2002, President George W. Bush proposed his infamous “No child left behind” initiative. The basic principle behind this reform was the commitment of the masses to literacy and education based on availability. He reasoned that any child living within the confines of these United States should be given the opportunity to have the “richest” life possible and not be restricted because of their individual circumstance. I think that this makes for a great principle. Education is the key to…

Three out of four isn’t bad, right? Of course, it’s not! Most professional athletes strive towards this form of accomplishment! An NFL quarterback’s passer rating would be considered prolific! Pro hockey players scoring three out of four shots on goal have assured themselves of being a part of the Hall of Fame. All NBA players “sinking” 75% of their jump shots will not have to worry about their endorsements. No, not a single athlete. These numbers place a person in…

Over time and in almost every religious venue, the subject of dinosaurs, life on other planets, and even the possibility of believing in a mystical figure such as the yeti will find their way into the conversation. Many, claiming to NT Christianity, will spend untold and countless hours dealing with the modern “facts” striving to establish the “truth” of the matter with family, friends, and even co-workers. This time, they are confident they completely disclose the “final truth” on the…

A sagacious person once stated, “Chickens don’t fly.” I’m unsure how this works, but I do not recall ever seeing one personally take flight like their eagle rivals accomplish when rising into the heavens. If we rid ourselves of self-help books intimating, albeit lightheartedly, that we all can rise above our limitations (Gombau, 2021). For the most part, we should all agree that “gallus domesticus” was not given the talent nor the ability to leave the general confines of gravity…

A longtime, prominent denominational preacher once told a large audience that he believed that “There were Christians everywhere, even in the deepest, darkest recesses of the world like Africa and South America even if they had never ever heard the Gospel preached unto them” (In His Own Words, Billy Graham Ministries). Is this noble teaching? Thayer defines “nobility” as uprightness, to act with integrity and conviction. Is this possible when only using the wisdom of man? (NKJV, Jeremiah 10:23). The…

There are many encompassing challenges when it comes to serving God. For example, one might ask, does God desire to be served? I understand that He does this by command, example, and by inference. The Woman clearly stated His decree when she informed Satan, “God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die,’ (NKJV, Genesis 2:3b). It only took about five seconds to be tempted and fall to disobedience. How does this help…

The Israelite Deliverer stated, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, NKJV). The Holy Spirit explicitly instructs the Hebrew nation to declare allegiance to the One who had taken them from bondage to salvation. Ten miraculous signs were given to all…

Have you ever experienced a Holiday experience called a “turducken”? This delicacy is a blend-word, or portmanteau is a term given to a duck, turkey, and chicken meal combination first made famous by John Maden in 1996 on Monday Night Football. The combination is a rich and indulgent meal. Although fun and fanciful to the senses, this never makes for a healthy meal. Too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. We love this for the…

Periodically, one may find themselves immersed in a Bible Study where someone objects to the doctrine of Christ, stating, “Jesus came to set us free from all these rules and regulations that were given to Moses.” Which is essentially true (Colossians 2:14, NKJV). They often favor a life without interruption in the things preferred versus a “system of religion” governing their living. Additionally, someone might suggest, “Give me Jesus and not the church,” which also infers a “managed” lifestyle significantly…

Vertical Love You may have noticed an increase across this nation where people argue for “love without boundaries”. This mantra is often claimed when there are friends, neighbors, coworkers, and especially family who have crossed into an opposing doctrine, and we fear losing our horizontal relationship with them. This is amazingly interesting based on the evidence that Jesus clearly states that religious-minded people should love God above all other things (Matthew 22:37, NKJV). He goes on to state, “And the…

Champion Who doesn’t love a champion? It would be challenging to deny its impact, especially during this year’s Olympic competition. We often associate this winning sensation as we are uniquely drawn to the zenith of the Victory Stand! One’s National Anthem is played. Throngs of people cheering as the victory synchronizes in the background. The victor is typically moved by sovereign emotion, and tears often flood their cheeks, forming a mixture of pride and release that accompanies victory! As much…

Needed Edification Ever been criticized? Ever had to endure someone’s wrath but for all the wrong reasons? America holds a very impassionate ridicule in perceived judgment. Nobody wants to be wrong, but this has never reduced the amount of negative verbiage used against a person’s enemies. Isn’t that interesting? On the one hand, I can see this as a habitual regimen in the world. What is hard or even seemingly impossible to accept, is this tendency in the Church. We…