Archive for the 'VIP' Category
It seems so capricious and uncaring that a God would allow his own son to suffer, until you get the bigger picture that God loved the sinful world so much that he sacrificed one son, for three days, to gain billions of children for a sinless eternity.
We look at all pain and suffering from the human side of the cross, from the perspective of the disciples on Friday. From that angle, the crucifixion is the most terrifying work of evil ever done. Evil got Jesus, and it might get me too. God sacrificed his son, and he might sacrifice me too.
However, if we wait around just three days, we can gain a glimpse of the cross from God’s side, and in light of the resurrection, we see that the worst possible evil, was only temporary. The apparently careless God was working out an eternal plan.
Evil is temporary. Good is forever. The most apparently evil moment in history was simultaneously the moment of the greatest good.
Why does God let us face trials?
Published by Jeff, on November 4th, 2009 in Front Page, Tough Questions, VIP.
James 1:2-3 gives the standard Christian answer to this question:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…
Of course, knowing the Sunday school answer and being okay with it are two different things entirely, but this week, I have gained a new perspective on the question that I thought I would share with you. Here are some significant verses from my devotional reading this week: » Click here to read the rest. «
Quick Study on the Rapture
Published by Jeff, on August 1st, 2009 in Front Page, My Beliefs, Tough Questions, VIP.
This week at my Life Group, we looked at the clearest teaching in the Bible regarding the rapture, and I’ve become even more convicted about one particular position. This post is intended to guide you through the same study we considered this week and to give an inside track on what I’m currently thinking about the matter.
What is the Rapture?
Before I talk about anything else, I should probably define what I mean by the rapture and why I want to talk about it now.
The Rapture refers to the event described in the Bible of Christ returning to earth and his followers being “caught up” to meet him in the air.
The major biblical controversy is twofold:
- Do the biblical statements on the rapture event indicate a literal and physical departure from the surface of the earth?
- When does the rapture event happen in relation to the rest of prophesied end-time events? » Click here to read the rest. «
Helping People Resolve Conflict
Published by Jeff, on May 27th, 2009 in Front Page, Leadership, VIP.
When two people are in conflict with each other, bringing about resolution can be difficult. However, when two Christians are in conflict, the process of reconciliation should not be as hard as it is.
In conflict situations, I like to ask a few questions:
Describe all the sin in this conflict. Who has committed sin and what is the exact nature of each sin? (the goal is to seek reconciliation with God and forgiveness from each other over sins committed)
Describe all the pain in this conflict NOT CAUSED BY SIN. What actions caused your pain and why were they so painful? (the goal is to get people to explore their own inner life not blame others or air dirty laundry. The WHY is powerful.)
Describe the goals and desired outcomes on both sides. What is the bigger picture, the vision, and how do we get there now? (the goal is to establish a plan of action and guidelines for future relationship through listening to each other’s joys, hopes, needs, and dreams)
After all, as believers in Christ, we know the power of forgiveness, we have the presence of the Holy Spirit, and we have a purpose that goes far beyond our petty differences.
What’s wrong with premarital sex?
Published by Jeff, on May 21st, 2009 in Front Page, Spiritual Health, Tough Questions, VIP.
What’s wrong with premarital sex?
One of the questions I get a lot is the question about sexual morality as it relates to the Bible, and it’s one I have thought a lot about as well considering that I do quite a bit of marital counseling and also considering that I’m a guy and I think about these issues myself!
Of course, the biggest question about sexual morality is whether the Bible actually prohibits premarital sex, and if it does prohibit it, why?
I’m going to try to answer that question simply from three angles: What does the Bible teach about sex? What effect does sex have on people? Where should the limits be drawn (i.e. what is the Biblical definition of “sex”)?
I was disturbed to see this video from Barack Obama talking about his intentions regarding the abortion issue…
The Universe Needs a Creator
Published by Jeff, on August 27th, 2007 in Front Page, Tough Questions, VIP.I believe in God because the universe needs a creator.
The first reason I have for my own belief in God is that the universe needs a creator.
WARNING: I have a degree in philosophy and some of the concepts I use for my belief in God require the use of some technical terms. Here’s a quick glossary of the terms I will be using:
I loved reading this entire debate. This really goes to show how often all Christians are lumped together in people's opinions. People like to believe that all Christians are hateful and judgmental, but while homosexuals,homosexual advocates, or non-believers are accusing Christians of these things they are themselves guilty of the same. The reason why I came to this page in the first place is because I have a friend who is gay and we've been debating back in forth on the gay rights agenda and whether or not being a homosexual is a sin, and he told me to watch the movie that your original post was about. I suppose he wants me to watch it so I can see that you can be a Christian and a homosexual at the same time. I guess I need to see it for myself so I can form my own opinion, but I really appreciate you taking the time to give your opinion and then to defend it to someone who decided to make it very personal against you. I very much admire your level head throughout in the face of such animosity.