“But as for what was sown on Good Soil, these are the ones who hear the Word and understand It; who indeed bear its Fruit” ~ Jesus (Matthew 13:23) First & foremost, it is important to realize that this, the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20 & Luke 8:1-21), is “the […]
“Blessed is anyone who eats Bread in the Kingdom of God.” ~ Jesus (Luke 14:15) For the traditional Christian, this verse has Jesus arrogantly referring to himself as the “bread” that is the source of salvation (even though it would have been highly hypocritical for him to have done so – see Matthew 18:3-4), […]
“And one does not presume to take this honor, but instead accepts it only when Called by God … So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming High Priest.” ~ unknown (Hebrews 5:4-5) Note that while this verse seems to indicate that only a few of us are to become “preachers of the […]
“But just as at that time when the child who was born according to the flesh persecuted the Child who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also … For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and submit never again to a yoke of slavery.” ~ Paul (Galatians 4:29+5:1) […]
“Three times I appealed to the Lord … But He said to me: My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect through temptations of weakness.” ~ Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) Interestingly enough, Paul was answered here in direct accordance with the weakness of his query. For we are not to […]
“I represent the Way [of Oneness], the Truth [of Love], and the Life [of God].” ~ Jesus (John 14:6) This verse traditionally reads “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”, and is extremely popular among conservative Christians – those who believe wholeheartedly […]
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God; who are Called and who answer that Call – each according to their Purpose.” ~ Paul (Romans 8:28) The last phrase here provides the Divine Context for this verse (though in all probability not the context that Paul originally intended) […]
“In Christ we speak as persons of sincerity; as those sent from God and standing in His presence.” ~ Paul (2 Corinthians 2:17) Actually, the vast majority of the time those who are truly “in Christ” are serving others and not speaking at all … That having been said, it is possible to “speak […]
Especially around this time of the year, a lot of folks keep getting confused about that thing called “The Gospel” … Indeed, most of the Christians I know — in full harmony with the many teachings of the self-proclaimed “apostle” Paul — make Easter weekend a celebration about Jesus himself; about his life and his […]
“I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven … Whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on Earth will be loosed in Heaven.” ~ Jesus (Matthew 16:19) First & foremost, please note that Jesus does not give anyone Heaven itself, only “the keys” thereto. […]
Deep-seated & lasting PEACE comes to each & every one of us in all our moments of true Devotion — but not the mere “devotion” we might give to a relationship or a job or a cause or a belief or an ideal. Rather, real PEACE comes to us when we are Devoted to the […]
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