One of the most intriguing, to me, Christian teachings/doctrines is the concept that mankind was created in the image of God. The meaning of this has puzzled me for many years. I am familiar with the common explanation that being made in God’s image means that humans have certain attributes that are similar to some […]
Why doesn’t God stop the violence and suffering?
One of the arguments expressed by religious skeptics to shed doubt on the existence of God is this question. Since God is supposedly all-powerful and all-knowing and all-good, why does he not stop human violence and suffering? Such instances as school shootings, human trafficking, child abuse, pandemics, and major catastrophes are given as examples of […]
Alternative to life’s struggles and pains
Stress Trauma Helplessness Depression Anxiety PTSD Weariness Loneliness, abandonment Inadequacy, incompetence Anger, violence Fear Addiction Does being a Christian making any difference with these life issues? Being a Christian means following Jesus (Mark 8:34), not just following the Bible. Following Jesus is much more personal than adhering to laws and principles that are stated in […]
4 allofus
“Hey, listen up! What do you want first – the good news or the good news? Because I’ve got good news. Good news for all people!” (Luke 2:10, Wobbly Translation Version). The angel told the shepherds that the birth of Jesus was going to bring joy for all the people. Everybody. Not just some. Not […]
God before birth?
Most people in the U.S. do not believe that the Son of God existed before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The results of a LifeWay Research study show that 41% of American adults agree, even though 80% agree that Jesus is the Son of God. Of Christians who attend church four times a month or […]
TARDIS people
I like a good analogy. Something that I can understand about one subject parallels something of another subject, and it helps me better understand or get a clearer mental picture. An analogy doesn’t prove that something is true; it just contributes to comprehending and appreciating it. Recently I read this statement by a Christian: “my […]
In Bethlehem’s darkness
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. Now Joseph also went […]
Afraid of opposition
How should we who are believers in and followers of Jesus the Messiah deal with opposition? I mean specifically opposition to Christianity, opposition to the fact that we believe Jesus is the Messiah for all people and following him is the way to experience real life. Since we follow Jesus, it’s imperative that we understand […]
Free download – Gear Up Substance Use Prevention Curriculum
When I worked at Kidz Ark therapeutic residential child care facility, I took required classes and earned level 2 certification for Colorado Addiction Counselor (now Certified Addiction Specialist). Since retiring, I have kept my certification active, which requires Professional Development (AKA continuing education) to renew every two years. Last year, I used “curriculum development” as […]
No barrier
“But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17). In the beginning, when God created humans in his image, he came to be with them in the Garden (see Genesis 2 and 3). In that relationship, the Lord developed his plans for the humans and the world […]