The role of God in our lives is a fundamental aspect that affects our spiritual journey in numerous ways. It encompasses a profound connection that demands self-reflection, perseverance, and realizing that God often meets us halfway, provided we take the first step. This notion is exemplified in a touching illustration from the Bible, where Jesus encourages a paralyzed man to pick up his mat and walk, highlighting the power of faith and the importance of taking action in our quest to connect with the Divine. In the Gospel of John (5:1-15), there is a story about a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. He was lying by the Pool of Bethesda when Jesus saw him. Jesus learned about his long-standing condition and asked a seemingly simple yet profound question: “Do you want to get well?” This question challenges us to examine our desires for transformation and healing. In the story of Jesus healing a man in John 5, Jesus did not immediately heal the man. Instead, he instructed him … [Read more...] about Embracing the Right Attitude Towards God: A Journey of Faith
Holy Spirit
The Sacred Act of Holy Communion: A Biblical Perspective
Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is an essential and sacred practice in the Christian faith. Unfortunately, like many other aspects of Christianity, people have turned it into a religious ceremony that undermines the true meaning of this powerful blessing. Holy Communion is a profoundly spiritual practice that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins and significance of Holy Communion. We’ll also explore the scriptures that underpin this meaningful practice. Holy Communion has its roots in the New Testament, primarily in the accounts of the Last Supper, an event that occurred the night before Jesus was crucified. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus gathered His disciples to share a final meal. “When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I … [Read more...] about The Sacred Act of Holy Communion: A Biblical Perspective
The Shifting Presence: Exploring the Role of the Holy Spirit in Old and New Testament Theology
The presence of the Holy Spirit plays a significant role in Christian theology, connecting the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. This blog post explores how the Holy Spirit resided with believers in the Old Testament through two examples. Additionally, we will delve into the transformation of the Holy Spirit’s role into a permanent presence after the ascension of Christ in the New Testament. Finally, we will compare and contrast the experiences of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the Old and New Testaments to conclude our analysis. The Old Testament: Limited Manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s Presence In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit’s presence was typically shown through temporary manifestations rather than a constant dwelling. The distinction between indwelling and coming upon suggests a temporary nature. Two prime examples highlight this transient nature. Firstly, the case of King Saul exemplifies the Holy Spirit’s visitation for a specific purpose. “Then the … [Read more...] about The Shifting Presence: Exploring the Role of the Holy Spirit in Old and New Testament Theology
Divine Renewal: Embracing God’s Majesty in Our Worries
In our busy, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get consumed by our problems and anxieties. We tend to lose sight of how vast and mighty God truly is. However, amidst our worries, there is a divine renewal waiting for us. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of our Creator and delve into His majestic qualities. God’s Majesty shines brightly, encompassing the universe and everything within it. His patience knows no bounds, and His control over storms reminds us of His power. As we journey through this short midweek encouraging blog post, let’s remember the words from Exodus 34:14, where it states, “For you shall not worship any other god because the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (ESV eXODUS 34:14). By shifting our focus from our worries to the magnificence of God, we can find encouragement and strength to face whatever challenges come our way. Let us embrace divine renewal, allowing the mightiness of God’s Majesty to overshadow our concerns. … [Read more...] about Divine Renewal: Embracing God’s Majesty in Our Worries
Eagle’s Wings: Soaring to New Heights with Grace & Precision
Eagle’s wings, soaring to new heights, grace, and precision come together in this verse: “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV Isaiah 40:30–31). Discover why God chose the eagle as a symbol and its significance in this context. Isaiah’s original readers hoped that the LORD would be restored. For those in captivity, Isaiah spoke of a future release and return to their land. The LORD would help them endure and soar like eagles, bringing emotional and spiritual upliftment. The first thing we need to do is learn a few things about eagles to fully understand why the Lord used an eagle instead of, let’s say, a bear or lion. We need to learn how they can fly or soar without hardly flapping their wings. I am going to list a few things I discovered about … [Read more...] about Eagle’s Wings: Soaring to New Heights with Grace & Precision