Why do you suppose that Israelites, so very long ago, lived about as long as we do today with all our advances in science? The answer is pretty straightforward: Israel had a very down-to-earth law …
Christian Origins #26 - Corinthians
The Bible is a very down-to-earth book. It is written for men and women who actually have to live every day in this world—who have to deal with human needs and human nature. High and …
Christian Origins #25 - Corinthians
It has to come as a surprise to find a Christian church—a Gentile Christian church—observing the Passover. The Passover is a Jewish festival, right? Then what is a gentile church like Corinth doing observing the …
The Wicked
View PostThe Book of Ecclesiastes #6
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw near, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or …
American Prophets
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate …
Christian Origins #24 - Corinthians
If there’s one thing that is clear when you study the New Testament with an eye to the origins of the Christian church, it is that the apostles were not princes of the church. Oh, …
Christian Origins #23 - Corinthians
If a man sets out to convince an audience of the truth of his message, why would he not give it his best shot? Wouldn’t you normally think a man would pull out all the …
Christian Origins #22 - Corinthians
The last time the Christian church was perfectly joined together, of the same mind and of the same judgement was nearly 2,000 years ago on that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell on the church …
Christian Origins #21 - Acts
It is astonishing, when you think about it, how much hatred can be generated by religious beliefs. From the earliest times, Jews persecuted Christians; and when Christians came to power, they persecuted Jews. It is …
The Book of Ecclesiastes #5
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor …
Thy Will Be Done
The disciples of Jesus came to him one day with a request: Lord, teach us to pray. Jesus replied with a remarkably concise, model prayer. We call it the Lord’s Prayer and everyone knows it …
Christian Origins #20 - Thessalonians
Everyone knows the end of the world is coming. The only questions left are when and how. Scientists tell us that in 3 to 4 billion years our sun will blow up and turn our …
Christian Origins #19 - Thessalonians
Is it hard to be a Christian? I suppose it depends on where you are and what you are doing. There are people in the world, right now, who are being shamefully and brutally treated …
Above and Beyond
The Law of God is a great gift. The 119th Psalm, in a way, summarizes our attitude toward the Law and our gratitude for it. It’s a lamp to our feet. It’s a light to …
The Courageous Christian
I’m always grateful when the news media gives credit to people who have done very brave things. It is so good to see these people and to hear what they have to say about how …
The Book of Ecclesiastes #4
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled. For what has the wise more than the fool? what has the poor, who knows to walk before the …
Christian Origins #18 - Galatians
I know sometimes it is a little hard to grasp, but the conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees was a matter of power and control. When this conflict reached the churches of Galatia, it split …
Christian Origins #17 - Galatians
I know this may seem obvious, but it must be said: Christianity and Judaism are two very different religions. I think Jews know this better than Christians. We speak of things Judeo-Christian as though they …
Christian Origins #16 - Galatians
Sometimes we answer questions too quickly, when we would be far better off saying I don’t know and waiting until we do. Nowhere is this more true than in religion. It is hard to discuss …