Christian Living

Problems are a normal part of life. They vary significantly in intensity. Problems may be as minor as a sore toe or as painful as a dying parent. It could be lost van keys on a school morning or an interpersonal relationship problem.
As humans we tend to classify problems as bad, undesirable, and unwanted.
Problems have plagued mankind for millenniums. Prophet and peasant alike have asked, “Why?” We struggle to understand why a loving, all-powerful God wouldn’t fix our problems.

The term “selfie” is a very new word that was invented as a result of electronic media. It is the name for a picture of “me, taken by me, and sent out to others by me.” Something is propelling this drive to put my picture out to the public. Much of the “selfie” spirit is rooted in the self-centeredness of our day.

Editor’s Note: As part 1 of a 2 part article this is focused on man’s view of sin. Look for teaching on a Biblical viewpoint in the next article.

How much of what we do actually counts for kingdom interests? Do we ever think, “Now, that was doing something good for God’s work?” Maybe we’re struggling, wishing we could do more kingdom things, and thinking that all we have time for are the everyday things of life. Or maybe our schedules are full of church related responsibilities and activities, and we wish things would slow down.

July 16, 1969 was an extremely special day for mankind. The excitement ran high as millions of people watched with interest as Apollo 11 left the earth. Its Saturn V rocket with an excess of 150 million horsepower was hurtling it to space with the mission to put 2 of the 3 men inside it on the moon. It was an amazing display of power. It showed what the coordinated effort of many men could do.

Christ’s resurrection from the dead is an event that was not and is not believed by all people. The Sadducees said there was no resurrection, neither angels, nor spirits. The apostles also had a problem; for a little while - “they believed not” (Luke 24:11).
The resurrection of Christ was hard to believe just like many other things that happened during this time. Why were there so many hard things to believe within three days? Could it be because God wanted to arrest the attention of the people, as the death and resurrection of our Lord took place?

What does the Bible teach about sin? What should our doctrine and practice be?
First, let us always remember, “All unrighteousness is sin” (1Jn 5:17). We dare not treat disobedience to God in a light manner. Jesus did not die on the cross so we could have a light or careless attitude toward sin. In fact, His death should make us feel our sins even more deeply.

It is no secret to anyone with a Scriptural perspective in life that we are truly living in the last days. There are many indications that this is the case. These indications were foretold by the Word of God. Life at best is very transitory. Material possessions often lose value and require maintenance to keep them in order so we can keep using them. But eventually many things we have wear out and need to be replaced or updated. Currency is also very volatile. One currency is strong for a period of time and then it becomes weak.

I hadn’t thought much about my seat mate as we buckled up to take off. She was frazzled and middle-aged and certainly didn’t look like the talkative type. “It’ll probably be a very quiet ride,” I mused to myself. However, when the stewardess asked her what she wanted to drink, her answer stirred my interest.
“May I please have two vodka’s and a tomato juice?” she said. “I’d like to make myself a Bloody Mary.”
Breathing a prayer I ventured, “May I ask you, what does drinking an alcoholic beverage do for you?”

His work on earth was done. The time had come for Him to return to His Heavenly home. Shortly He would take His place by the side of His Father upon the throne of light and glory.
Accompanied by the eleven, He made His way to the Mount of Olives. But the disciples did not know that this was to be their last interview with their Master. As they walked, the Saviour gave them His parting instruction. Just before leaving them, He made that precious promise, so dear to every one of His followers: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:20).