An older brother, a minister, once suggested to me that I should write about one portion of this chapter. He didn’t tell me what I should write, but appeared to have confidence that I would be able to cut through the misinterpretations of the apostle Paul’s words that are often repeated in our day and … Continue reading An exposition of First Corinthians chapter three
Jesus Christ
Built upon the rock
THE ROCK “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” There need be no mystery or speculation about what rock Jesus meant in this verse, He was simply referring to Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a … Continue reading Built upon the rock
Paul, the master apologist
Being an apologist for the Christian faith may sound like expressing our regrets for being Christians. The true meaning is quite the opposite; it means being able to talk about our faith without fear or embarrassment, and to always be ready to “give an answer” (apologia) to those who ask about it. The apostle Paul … Continue reading Paul, the master apologist
Doctrines of the Humanist Religion
1. Nothing is real if it cannot be explained by the human mind I may call myself a lover of the truth, but if I am unwilling to believe anything that does not fit the measure of my mind, am I really open to consider what truth is? Scientific hypotheses attempt to fit the … Continue reading Doctrines of the Humanist Religion
The scandal of divided Christianity
For years I have been reading statements that go something like this: "The greatest stumbling block to Christian missions is the confused message coming from the divisions among those who call themselves Christians." I would like to propose a radical solution. Jesus said "I will build my church." Why don't we just let Him do … Continue reading The scandal of divided Christianity
Two keys
I have two keys that, to my eyes at least, appear to be identical. One was made with a state of the art key cutting machine; the other was made by an elderly gentleman using a grinding wheel. Guess which one works? The machine-made key goes into the keyhole just a little bit roughly and … Continue reading Two keys
The Logos
Greek philosophers believed the world had always existed and realized that there must be some active principle that made the world function in an orderly fashion. Heraclitus, Zeno and Plato described this principle that ordered and maintained the universe and permeated all reality as the Logos. Logos means word, reason, plan and all that might … Continue reading The Logos
The problem of ethnic pride
I read a number of English language historical novels when I was young. The English heroes were brave, honest, noble and kind. The villains, often French or Spanish, were shifty-eyed, cowardly dishonest and cruel. I accepted this as truth, and, being of English ancestry, it felt good to be able to identify with the good … Continue reading The problem of ethnic pride
Manchester and the Crusaders
Islamic extremists are telling Muslim youths that it is their religious duty to strike back at Christian nations because they are descendants of the Crusaders who wreaked havoc upon Muslims many years ago. There are serious flaws in this simplistic approach: 1. The Crusades were efforts by the popes to expand their political influence. Religion … Continue reading Manchester and the Crusaders
Christ in you, the hope of glory
Jesus spoke the following words while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. The words were shocking, no doubt deliberately so. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, … Continue reading Christ in you, the hope of glory
Flatlander Faith 