What do Christians mean by being “Born Again?” One of the hallmark tenets of Christianity is the necessity for a Christian to be “born again.” This phrase was first used by Christ when He expressed its importance to Nicodemus as they were talking. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he … Continue reading “…except a man be…born of the spirit…” John 3:5 Born Again
Author: Richard
“The nearer you go to God the nearer God will come to you.” James 4:8 Born Again II
How do we know when we’ve been born again? Last week, we attempted to answer the question, “What do Christians mean by being Born Again?” The concise answer to that question is, “…to have one’s spirit renewed in the image of Jesus.” That sounds pretty simple, but leaves the question, “How do we know that … Continue reading “The nearer you go to God the nearer God will come to you.” James 4:8 Born Again II
“… make a defense … with gentleness and respect …” 1 Peter 3:15 Losing Faith
A matter of Faith. In the last few posts, we’ve been exploring issues of faith. We’ve talked about what it is, how we can recognize it, what it does for us, and its importance to us as we each attempt to grow our own relationship with God. But another aspect of faith is that it … Continue reading “… make a defense … with gentleness and respect …” 1 Peter 3:15 Losing Faith
“Woe to you … you Hypocrites!” Matthew 23:27 Losing Faith II
Opening Thoughts. In this week’s post we continue our exploration of issues of Faith. Last week we began to look at reasons that someone’s faith can be lost. This week we’ll continue that examination. To begin, we should recognize that someone’s faith cannot actually be “lost.” Because having a faith and the nature of that … Continue reading “Woe to you … you Hypocrites!” Matthew 23:27 Losing Faith II
“I know what plans I have … for you … Yahweh declares …” Jeremiah 29:11 Losing Faith III
Introduction. The last two posts have catalogued reasons why former believers have either lost their faith in God (and religion) or have come to seriously question His existence or their faith. In this post we will begin to answer some of these objections to faith. Reasons for a former believer’s loss of his/her faith are … Continue reading “I know what plans I have … for you … Yahweh declares …” Jeremiah 29:11 Losing Faith III
“Do not fear, because I am with you …” Isaiah 41:10 // Losing Faith IV
Where we left off. This is the fourth installment of our discussion about losing faith. Previously (posts 23 & 24), we’ve identified some of the main reasons that a former believer could lose their faith. Last week (post 25) we began to answer some of the complaints that former believers express against God. This week’s … Continue reading “Do not fear, because I am with you …” Isaiah 41:10 // Losing Faith IV
“So, I exhort the elders among you … shepherd the flock of God that is among you …” 1 Peter 5:1. Losing Faith V
Continuing where we left off ... This week we continue our series on Losing Faith by considering the Second Objection to God and Christianity, “The believer becoming mad at or disappointed by the Church.” As I’ve discussed objections to Christianity with former believers over the years, I’ve heard the following complaints about the Christian Church: … Continue reading “So, I exhort the elders among you … shepherd the flock of God that is among you …” 1 Peter 5:1. Losing Faith V
“…She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger…” Luke 2:7 // The Birth of Jesus
Intermission. Let’s take a break from our series on Faith and talk this week about the birth of the Christ child. I cannot imagine anyone who doesn’t know the story, but let’s take a look at the event from a slightly different perspective. When we do, I think the story will take on new and … Continue reading “…She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger…” Luke 2:7 // The Birth of Jesus
“Ask, and it will be given to you…” Matthew 7:7 A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope
This week and the event we celebrate is a consequential one for us all. I hope that your Christmas was wonderful and that you are enjoying your holiday season. To close the year, I’ve decided to post a prayer rather than the usual exploration into an aspect of the Christian faith. It seemed appropriate. Thanks. … Continue reading “Ask, and it will be given to you…” Matthew 7:7 A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope
“… suddenly some wise men came …” Matthew 2:1 The Magi
The Magi. [Matthew 2:1-12] It is appropriate that we consider the Magi who came “… from the East …” [Matthew 2:2] to worship the baby Jesus after the close of Christmas. That is because, current traditions of presenting the Nativity notwithstanding, they were not present on the night of Jesus’ birth. Rather, they came “… … Continue reading “… suddenly some wise men came …” Matthew 2:1 The Magi
