A very good question about prayer was recently posed by a friend on Facebook. The one who raised the question made a very keen observation. She noted that sometimes people have claimed that because many prayers were lifted on their behalf that they received a miracle from God. In fact, she cited a popular author who […]
Christian Theology
My thoughts on theology
Are Only Some Appointed to Eternal Life?
Acts 13:48 says, “… And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Does this mean that only some are appointed to eternal life while others are not? Let me begin with a background of the text. In Acts 13:42-51, Luke gives us the account of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch during their […]
The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
While searching for fodder for new blog postings, a friend on Facebook, Bill, suggested this one. It’s a goodie. Exodus 10:20 says, “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.” The question is so obvious that it hardly needs asked. However, let’s get it out there anyway. If God […]
Having An Evil Spirit
Occasionally I’ll hear a Christian remark that he or she is being harassed by some type of spirit. For example, they may say, “I sometimes get attacked by a spirit of doubt. ” Or, they might explain that another Christian has told them that they are being plagued by a particular spirit, of which they […]
The Christian Response to Radical Islam
As radical Islam continues to hold an international spotlight, my social media feed is awash with rage, hatred, fear, and threatening posts. Understandably, people see the murderous clips or read the disheartening speeches and feel the need to do something. How can one not react? How can one not feel the hurt? Terrible things are […]
The Christian Jihad
Few Arabic words are more well-known among Westerners than the word “jihad.” We hear it often and see its definition played out on the news. Literally, it means to “struggle.” However, it is most often used and understood in the context of “holy war” and is associated with the Islamic faith. Although not all Muslims agree […]
How Can God Send Someone to Hell Because of Their Sexual Orientation?
That is terribly unfair of God! How can He create a person to be a certain way and then cast them into the flames of hell because they are doing exactly what He created them to do? If this is the God of Christianity – then I don’t want to get to know that God! […]
Are the Recent Beheadings a Sign that the End is Near?
The world is watching the Middle East. The rise of ISIS from relative obscurity to front and center has captured nearly every headline. Few extremists have gripped the world with terror like this group. Their brutality seems to know no bounds. From the torture of innocent victims to the beheadings of unarmed people to the burning alive of prisoners, ISIS […]
Is God Cruel?
Even just a few minutes of the evening news would convince anyone that the world we live in is a difficult place. Not only do we regularly hear of wars, robberies, murders, and other acts of violence, but news of natural disasters and tragic accidents are just as common. Everywhere we turn we see and experience tragedy, […]
Am I a Christian Because I Was Raised a Christian?
This criticism of Christianity can have some merit. It is my guess that many who call themselves Christian (especially in the U.S.) grew up in Christian homes or were introduced to Christianity at a young age. They might consider themselves Christian because that’s all they’ve ever known. In fact, many who call themselves Christian do […]