I frequently hear or read about folks mentioning that they are “Born Again”, and I used to wonder exactly what they meant when they did so … So I did a little research, and I found out that — for the most part — being “Born Again” (in the traditional, religious sense) entails a person […]
“I will return to you, if God wills.” ~ Paul (Acts 18:21) Whereas Paul made this and similar statements to emotionally manipulate his listeners (see Acts 20:20-21, Romans 11:13-14 + Romans 15:17, 1 Corinthians 15:10 + 1 Corinthians 9:15, 2 Corinthians 2:9, 2 Corinthians 2:1-4, 2 Corinthians 6:6-10, 2 Corinthians 7:2-10, 2 Corinthians 8:2-8, […]
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks.” ~ unknown (Hebrews 12:28) First & foremost, it is important to understand that we cannot give appropriate thanks while receiving anything or while hoping to receive anything in return for the same. Indeed, true & heartfelt thanks is actually given […]
“God is Love, and those who abide in Love abide in God, and God abides in them.” ~ unknown (1 John 4:16) First & foremost, note that “Love” in this verse is the Greek “agape,” a word that means neither emotional need nor philosophical romance nor sexual desire nor psychological partnership, but rather a […]
“And this is Love … You must walk in It.” ~ unknown (2 John 1:6) This statement is a patent and absolute Truth – indeed, one of the most important Truths in existence; and indeed the very same Truth that formed the primary foundation for Jesus’ entire ministry (see Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew […]
“May Mercy, Peace and Love be yours in abundance.” ~ unknown (Jude 1:2) Even though the author of this biblical epistle was obviously quite worried about his theological opponents (i.e. others who “pervert the grace of our God”, something which is actually impossible to accomplish – see Jude 1:3-4), the Wisdom of this particular […]
“Serve one another with whatever Gift each of you has Received.” ~ unknown (1 Peter 4:10) While we each have scintillatingly unique Gifts that only we can use to serve others, this verse communicates the general Truth that we are simply to Give whatever we have to Give — wherever we already are, for […]
“And the Spirit is the one who testifies, for the Spirit is the Truth.” ~ unknown (1 John 5:6) First of all, it is crucial to remember that “the Spirit” referenced here is not an external entity, but rather an internal Essence (what some call “the Holy Spirit” or “the Spirit of Truth”, what […]
I am currently involved in an extremely intriguing (and sometimes somewhat heated) discussion with a few of my right-wing anti-gay Facebook Friends … To simplify & summarize, they claim that homosexuality is a “sin” (indeed, a mortal one — worthy of capital punishment &/or eternal damnation. They believe that God has made this decree in […]
“If we Love one another, God lives in us, and His Love is perfected in us.” ~ unknown (1 John 4:12) Actually, God (or “the Divine”, or “the Source”, or “the Prime Mover”, or “the Logos” — a la John 1:1-8+16) lives in us whether we choose to Love others or not (see John […]
“Let your adornment be the Inner Self; the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet Spirit.” ~ unknown (1 Peter 3:4) First & foremost, even though most scholars agree that this letter was probably written by one of Peter’s disciples well after his death (due to its sophisticated use of the Greek language, due […]
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