This is my 36thcolumn for this blog (Correspondent for Christ). For some time now, I have ended most of them with a simple list called, “Some Key Truths.” It’s intended to reinforce the themes that I write about and as a reference for those looking for more information from the Bible on God’s plan for saving people. It can also serve as a memory aid for those who want to share their newfound faith, but don’t yet know God’s word well enough to…
At special times such as celebrating one’s birthday or favorite holidays, the subject of wishes arises of itself. Those close to us are suddenly keen to know what would please us—what we might like, feel want of or desire. Some ask our preferences because they are interested in our thoughts on how to enhance the pleasure of the whole family or group on the occasion at hand. Such curiosity is somewhat rare. Human beings as a rule, are not often asked for their wishes…
A question often asked in romance novels, smarmy films, “speed dating” clubs, and everywhere bad pick up lines are sold is, “Do you believe in love at first sight?” And while this question is asked in restaurants and bars all over town, by people of varying motivations, you can be pretty sure of one thing: the questioner is desperate, deluded, or disingenuous. Typically, the individual making this inquiry is either experiencing a psychotic break with reality, is already in love—with themself—or has…
Are the four gospels recorded in the Bible actual eyewitness accounts of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as they claim? The language itself argues that they are indeed. I invite you to examine with an open mind, clues found in the words used in the last (24th) chapter of the Gospel of Luke, to describe the events that transpired after Jesus’ burial. It is both illustrative of and representative of what you will find in any of the four…
Not to bore you with a lot of history (heaven forbid), but humanity split with its Creator a long time ago. The breakup came over the issue of sin. The Creator called for its avoidance by the total abstinence method. The created disagreed, preferring to explore the wonders of depravity, plumb the depths of misery and experience the thrills & chills of death and disaster. There you have it—irreconcilable differences. For those of you playing the home version of the game, sin is lawlessness. It’s…
Down through the centuries opinions have differed as to the best way to nurture, care for and protect the human soul. One tragic sign of the times in which we live is that the care and feeding of a healthy human soul is neglected or ignored across broad swathes of the populace, all around the globe. Some would not even agree that a human being has a soul. Others argue over when a new human life acquires its soul. Still others, intent on pushing moral,…
“May I help you?” asked the officer behind the desk, in a bored but polite tone. “I hope so,” answered the man standing before him. “I’d like to report a missing person.” “Name?” “Bill. Bill Jones.” “How long has Mr. Jones been missing?” asked the policeman. “Oh, sorry officer. That’s my name. I’m Bill, er, William. William Jones. It’s my boss who’s missing.” “What’s your boss’ name, Mr. Jones?” “You’ll find it right there on the form. I started filling it out while I was waiting, but didn’t…
According to published reports, serious plans are being made for public and private (governmental and commercial) missions to Mars, as milestones of manned space exploration in the 21stcentury. Not so long ago, this was purely the stuff of fiction. H. G. Wells’ novel War of the Worlds, appearing around the turn of the 20thcentury, was instrumental in sparking imagination concerning all things Martian. Then came the famous radio dramatization of October 30, 1938 by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater Company—a live broadcast…
Excavations for the new luxury high-rise near the waterfront unearthed something frightening—a UXB (unexploded bomb), relic of an all-but-forgotten war. It was a rusty, musty thing, with a small portion of one side exposed and part of one directional vane showing. Despite having been buried for the longest time, it looked to be in remarkably good condition. The workmen took no chances, scrambling out of the foundation works, taking to their heels and scattering in all directions. Construction was halted immediately, both by…
I have heard it said (and do for the most part believe) that no one is ever argued into the kingdom of God. If this were not so, the kingdom would be populated mostly with losers—frustrated people who are there chiefly because they do not perform well in debates. If verbally outmaneuvered in front of others, they may also have felt foolish, publicly humiliated, resentful, even angry. Why were they unable to spot and evade the subtle intellectual traps set for them…