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Have you ever doubted who you are and what you're about? Do you crave a sense of purpose and undeniable direction in your life that will answer those questions? What are you willing to do to obtain that purpose and the understanding it takes to implement it into your lives? The best way to answer these questions may be to examine the lives of two men who understood the meaning of life as well as their place in it.

Paul, revered by the church as a saint and an Apostle, authored more books in our Bible than anyone else and was considered a world class theologian and an…  ( Click for more )

Answering that question necessitates posing another. What does it mean to be compelled? Webster's defines it as accomplishing a task by force or great effort, doing something forcefully or to be driven; the definition most applicable for the concept under consideration. Significantly, the English word compel is a French/Latin combination meaning to drive together – as in a nail compelling two pieces of wood to join together. Should this sense of being compelled to perform a task come from within or be exerted from outside ourselves? (See Acts 16:6; 16:9; 20:22 for…  ( Click for more )

In speaking of God's purpose in creating mankind, St. Augustine declared, "You have made us for yourself,…"; which when understood enables us to find direction and contentment in our relationship with God. He went on to assert that,"…our hearts are restless until they find rest in you." Rest denoting completion and confidence gained through a recognition of God's will; the very things we often claim to need and want but seldom find the time to properly cultivate.

A proper understanding of God's being and desire is critical to a proper appreciation of…  ( Click for more )

The answer to that question seems more urgently needed after the scenes portrayed for us at the London Zoo, carried internationally by the major news organizations. Two scantily clad women with wild hair were pictured peering out from behind boulders with the bold, black caption underneath reading, Caged Animals. They and a number of others had been chosen to participate in an exhibit at the zoo depicting "primitive" men and women – alongside other primates – as just one more animal in Earth's menagerie.

The exhibit prompted giggles, stares and questions such…  ( Click for more )

As the body counts continue to climb as a result of the Iraqi war and Hurricane Katrina – one is tempted to ask; 'Is anyone in control?' Another question repeatedly asked is, 'Why would a loving God allow such things to happen?' As is often the case when things don't go as planned, we begin to lose enthusiasm for a task, doubting our purpose and ability to succeed. In the case of devastation caused by an "act of God" such as we've seen in New Orleans, we begin seeking someone to blame. There certainly seems to be enough to go around. The local…  ( Click for more )

As you head off to school, work, and new adventures, do so with calm assurance and confidence of success. You have been prepared for this in varying degrees by your parents, school, church and in your own efforts to insure success. Assurance? Confidence? In a new town, a new school, with people I don't know?! Is it possible to have assurance and confidence in situations like this? Not automatically, but it can be had. Remember your parents' love and instruction, your church's concern and direction, your education and effort. Then look directly to God for further…  ( Click for more )

Has anyone ever commented on your work ethic; your ability and desire to work hard and well? (Or not.) Did you know that tendency is often referred to as the Protestant work ethic? It is only one of the subtle yet far-reaching ways Christianity has impacted this country and the world; having its origin in scripture, influencing our expectations of personal opportunity and responsibility. Believers called Puritans exemplified this concept in that they taught that a man had a sacred responsibility to do his best, working hard in all he did; not just for profit, although there was…  ( Click for more )

The debate between supporters of creation and evolution ebbs and flows, often turning mean-spirited. Many Christians are reluctant to respond because they feel they have nothing to add to the conversation but 'The Bible says…'; which doesn't sound very convincing when others are citing dates and figures as facts, however dubious some of them may be. (It is difficult to cite scripture effectively when your opponent doesn't believe in the Bible – there being no common ground for your discussion.) President Bush recently raised the level of contention…  ( Click for more )

"…their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21

God's sovereign choice, "…does not… depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16 This statement seems to emphatically support John Calvin's theology of salvation, essentially asserting the impossibility of knowing one's salvation is accomplished – as no act of repentance, no desire for godly living, no saving experience or act of obedience guarantees forgiveness of sin and admission to heaven. Strict Calvinism holds that it…  ( Click for more )

The Associated Press reports out of Grapevine, Texas that The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a liberal alliance of 1,800 congregations that oppose the conservative leadership of The Southern Baptist Convention, removed mention of Jesus from its constitution at its just concluded annual meeting. Prior to this, the fellowship's stated purpose had been to bring Baptists together "in order that the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be spread throughout the world in glad obedience to the Great Commission."; referring to Jesus' last instructions to the church recorded in Matthew…  ( Click for more )

Last week we briefly looked at the declarative statements of Jehovah and Jesus using the descriptive assertion – I Am. This week we'll observe how that same self-descriptive phrase was often used by those responding to the call to "Come – follow me." – in both the Old and New Testaments.

God challenged Abraham to prove his faith with faithfulness; Abraham twice answering with an expectant, "Here I am." In being instructed to go with his son Isaac to offer a sacrifice, "Here I am" signified an acknowledgement of God, an acceptance of his will and anticipation…  ( Click for more )

How would you describe yourself starting with the phrase – I am…; a girl or boy – big or small – generous or stingy – black or white? Declarative statements such as these help define us, Jesus describing himself this way a number of times. For example, in discussing the coming of the Messiah, Jesus said, "I who speak to you am He." – I am He whom you are expecting. John 4:26 On another occasion, Jesus' sanity was questioned and his authority challenged, to which he replied, "…before Abraham was born, I am." John 8:58 This echoed Jehovah's…  ( Click for more )

Judas, like Benedict Arnold, has become synonymous with treachery and betrayal. While the other Apostles' shortcomings offer encouragement in their depiction of common people attempting to follow an uncommon God and being used in remarkable ways as a result; Judas Iscariot stands as a warning concerning the evils of spiritual carelessness, squandered opportunity, sinful lust and hardness of heart. He exposes the possibility of an association with Christ that is unsatisfactory for all involved; as coming to Christ in a superficial relationship with inappropriate expectations…  ( Click for more )

Well - sort of. The highest court in the land took its turn grappling with one of the more politically charged issues facing our country and resoundingly voted in favor of neutrality. By deciding that the Ten Commandments could be displayed in government buildings and on public grounds - as long as they weren't featured but part of an example of other pertinent, secular documents illustrating our country's early religious and political influences – they left it up to the individual states to decide on a case by case basis what to do. Many believe this to be the best…  ( Click for more )

In accepting a humanitarian service award from the Human Rights Campaign, Janet Jackson's comments regarding her recent personal trials, as well as those of her family – and the faith that saw her through them – were revealing as to her spiritual condition; mirroring many in society today. "What I've learned in these recent months is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it's real, it's a beautiful light that both comforts our minds and strengthens our souls. Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for that light. I'm so grateful…  ( Click for more )

The Bible says the least about Nathanael, James the Less and Thaddaeus, yet what it does say is informative and significant. Nathanael first heard of Jesus through his friend Philip, who informed him of his belief that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah. (John 1:43-45)

Philip's description of Jesus, as foretold by Moses and the Prophets, hints at Nathanael's familiarity with Hebrew scripture. But his first reaction to the announcement concerning Jesus reveals a prejudiced attitude against people of different backgrounds; causing him to question, "Can any good…  ( Click for more )

Being ridiculed by unbelievers is not new, but to be questioned and even attacked by fellow believers is less expected and indeed – insulting. Yet on a number of issues that is exactly what is happening. Liturgy, dress and music powerfully influence our worship services as expressions of reverence and propriety, frequently becoming sources of contention as well; an example of this being the acrimony surrounding the 1st Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Attempting to enhance its outreach to unbelievers, the leadership added a contemporary service – held in a nightclub…  ( Click for more )

I must admit to some ambivalence when discussing issues like the Indiana Civil Liberties Union's lawsuit to bar the use of Jesus' name from prayers uttered on behalf of business conducted in the Statehouse. I usually try to be sensitive to other's beliefs and as such can sympathize with people of other faiths attending a legislative session and being somewhat put off by a prayer dedicated to a deity they don't believe in. I know I certainly would be uncomfortable being led in prayer by a Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim, and would oppose a Wiccan, New Age adherent or…  ( Click for more )

If you are prone to seeing the obstacles of life rather than the possibilities (John 6:5-7) and have trouble getting beyond the details that tend to obscure vision rather than expanding it (John 14:8,9) - then you may have more than a little in common with Philip.

No Jewish name is given for Philip – a decidedly Greek name – indicating a Hellenized background; thoroughly modern in thought and action (not always a good thing, but not always bad either), based on Greek attitudes and philosophy – full of "foreign", contemporary customs as opposed to the conservative…  ( Click for more )

Recent events involving the supposed desecration of the Muslim holy book have surfaced, been denied, and then partially admitted to. As a result of this insulting behavior, violent acts have erupted among adherents of the Quran across the Muslim world. In an attempt to explain the shock and anger expressed by those brandishing their holy "scriptures" in one hand and a gun in the other, one local Muslim leader asserted that we Americans don't understand the importance accorded these writings; that they whole-heartedly believe them to be God's word – whereas we Christians…  ( Click for more )

Matthew, although probably descended from the priestly tribe of Levi (Luke 5:27,28), at first glance seems the least likely to be called or respond positively to Jesus' invitation to follow him; yet his response was immediate. Notorious by virtue of his occupation – a publican or tax collector – he was considered a brazen sinner. (Luke 5:30) He was in fact a collaborator with the enemy; tax collectors of his day often being unprincipled in their dealings with their own people as they represented the authority and interests of Rome. (See Zacchaeus' response in…  ( Click for more )

Last week we began looking at the reasons behind James injunction for us to, "Do not merely listen to the word,… Do what it says." James 1:22 This week we'll look at the practical ways our behavior impacts daily life by examining some scripture examples available to us.

Jesus asks, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" And explains that, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven." Luke 6:46 and Matthew 7:21 If we agree that…  ( Click for more )

The word obey and the concept of obedience has become a four letter word in today's society. Whether as a result of rebellion, a lack of understanding or little faith in those asking us to obey; we hesitate many times even to accept advice or direction.

What does it mean to be obedient? It can mean simply carrying out an order but many times it means to be guided by advice that has the advantage of having been tried before and shown to work. Is there a difference? Taking advice leaves the option of doing or not doing; listening to the experience of another and either…  ( Click for more )

From the first moment to the last, the disciples struggled to understand the full impact of Jesus' invitation to, "Come, follow me,…" (Matthew 4:19); failing to fully comprehend the extent to which this call would take them out of their comfort zones and the demands it would make on their lives. (Matthew 19:27) Beyond that, they struggled to grasp the reality of Jesus' deity and his mission to save souls in contrast to saving Israel. Jewish scripture does cite examples of personal salvation for individuals who persevered in the face of trials and difficulty (Daniel…  ( Click for more )