Tag Archives: Eternal Life

Possess Your Souls

Posted on by
Reply
Engraving by Adriaen Collaert on Harvard Art Museums
Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. … you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls. (Luke 21:14–19; NKJV)

Luke 21 brings us to one of the many challenging passages in the Gospels. This is Luke’s account of the Olivet Discourse, where He answers the disciples’ questions about the future destruction of Jerusalem and His Second Coming.

Continue reading →

Sons of the Resurrection

Posted on by
Reply
Painting in the Hagia Sophia on World History Encyclopedia
Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. (Luke 20:34–36)

Luke chapter 20 summarizes Jesus’ testing by the religious leaders after His arrival in Jerusalem and leading up to Passover. One of the many details I find interesting in this chapter is how these events connect to Passover.

Continue reading →

Written in Heaven

Posted on by
Reply
Painting by James Tissot on WikiCommons
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17–22; NKJV)

As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, He sent messengers throughout Israel to prepare the cities that he would pass through to receive Him (Luke 9:51–52). For these cities, this would be their last opportunity to hear the Good News of salvation from Jesus Himself before His crucifixion and death.

Continue reading →

Those Who Are Sick

Posted on by
1
Painting by Paolo Veronese on Wikimedia Commons
And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:30–32; NKJV)

One of the curious topics in modern Christianity is the intersection of personal holiness and public witness. Christians are often criticized for being legalistic and prudish when we abstain from certain festivities and observances in Western culture. On the other hand, when Christians do participate in such activities, we are often criticized for adopting pagan culture.

Continue reading →

What Is a Christian?

Posted on by
1
Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash
Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:25–26; NKJV)

Nowadays, the word ‘Christian’ receives mixed responses. Christianity has played a significant role in shaping the modern world. However, in recent decades, Christianity has come under attack for being antiquated, bigoted, and even racist. Are these accusations accurate? What are the historical roots of Christianity? What does it mean to be a Christian today? Let’s take a look.

Continue reading →