In standard evolutionary/cosmological timelines, the universe (from the Big Bang) is dated to about 13-14 billion years ago, while anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens) have existed for roughly 200,000-300,000 years. That’s equivalent to saying if the universe were 24 hours old, humans would not appear until the last two seconds of the day. They only recently arrived,…
We read in the Bible of people whose hearts became hardened against God, especially Pharaoh (Ex. 8-14). We may not understand everything about that, but we tend to look down on those individuals and assume it would never happen to us. Could it? Can I ask you to consider this? When members in need are announced at…
Faith is the foundation of the Christian life—but faith alone is not enough. Peter instructs believers to “add to your faith virtue” (2 Pet. 1:5). This word “virtue” carries the idea of moral excellence, strength of character and the courage to do what is right. If faith is our conviction in God, then moral courage is the determination to act on that…
The Catholic church has long argued that they are the “original” church, and such claims are surging again. But, what does the evidence indicate? If the Catholic church is the original church of the BIBLE, where is the hierarchal structure of its organization, including the Pope, found in the BIBLE (see Eph. 5:23; Acts 20:17-35; 1…
Humans are so finite that we often limit our focus to the finite. We see “this nation” in conflict with “that nation.” We think “this nation” is more powerful than “that nation.” We fear “one nation” but disparage “another nation.” Can I challenge all of us to look up? As Isaiah prophesied about mightier nations taking the nation of…
Spiritual growth is not optional for the Christian—it is commanded. Peter wrote, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). In fact, he goes further and urges believers to give “all diligence” to their growth (2 Pet. 1:5, 10). Growth does not happen accidentally. It requires intentional effort to become more like Christ. In…
God tells us to love Him and Jesus (Matt. 22:37; John 14:15). God tells us to love our Christian brethren (John 13:34). God tells us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). God tells us to love our spouses (Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4). Then, He doesn’t allow us or rely on us to define what that “love” looks like. Instead, He…
Have you ever heard about a preacher being worn out on a Sunday night? “Seriously?! C’mon! That’s crazy! All he does is stand up and talk! (For too long!) That’s NOT that hard! Gimme a break!” But, being a true preacher of the gospel is more than just talking. Preachers who care look out and see the non-Christian visitor and try to carry…