Conversion: A Way of Life This week we read Acts 16-21. Each of the chapters describes the conversion of many individuals to Christianity. The manner of these conversions varied greatly from miracles to reasoning to fear. While many were converted enough to be baptized, it is not clear how many remained converted. We know that […]

The Culture of Christ Acts 10-15 describe the ministry of the apostles in the first decade or so after the ascension of Christ. The tragic martyrdom of Stephen set off a series of events that changed the trajectory of the ministry. If that event had not happened, the disciples might not have dispersed to other

The Truth; Me and You This week we read or should read, the stories of Stephen and Paul (Saul) in The Acts of the Apostles. Like all other archetypal stories, these stories are only impactful if we compare ourselves to the characters and make them relevant to our day and age. That is what I

Undeniable Power Following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the focus of carrying on His ministry fell upon the shoulders of the eleven apostles and His most devout disciples. The specific instructions of how the church was to be established are only briefly described in a few verses at the beginning of the Acts

What to Believe I recently watched part of a podcast where three individuals, an academic, a theologian, and an author, spoke about systems of belief. Of course, each participant explained how and why they arrived at their current understanding concerning the great questions of existence as individuals and societies. As I consider these questions of

Why Me? There is only one person in the history of the world who would be justified in uttering the words, “Why me,” and that is Jesus of Nazareth. However, at some point, nearly everyone has either thought those words or said them aloud. The remarkable thing about Jesus was that he knew why it

Practicing Restraint (And the Meek Shall Inherit the Earth) The story of the betrayal, arrest, and trial of Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most compelling of all time. Throughout the Savior’s ministry, the man, Jesus, demonstrated miracle after miracle, which resulted in a massive following of common people, making him an enemy of

Misconceptions About God Probably the most misunderstood thing in the universe is also the reason everything exists. Debates have raged for centuries over what or who the great creator is. God is also one of the most controversial subjects of discussion for scientists, theologians, and laypeople alike. Whole swaths of human cultures are based upon

To Consume or Be Consumed As human beings, we are constantly consuming things. We live in a consumer society, and we consume energy, food, and all manner of goods and services. Another thing we consume at an alarming rate is information, but there is far too much of it, so we must pick and choose

Love Wins In The End When we talk about the end of the world, our minds conjure up apocalyptic images, and feelings of dread emerge in our hearts. We hear of natural calamities, wars, pain, and suffering. Wickedness, corruption, and debauchery rule our societies. Oppression and enslavement from cabals and self-imposed addictive behaviors make the