Like other Bible stories we were told as children, we can almost quote the major points of the book of Jonah in our sleep: God tells Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh Jonah says no and runs the other way Jonah gets swallowed by a huge fish Huge fish spits Jonah onto dry … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Jonah
Month: February 2019
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Obadiah
The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah's message is directed toward Israel's neighbor - and "brother" - Edom. But, even though the book comprises a mere 21 verses, it is not surprising to see how many vital truths, principles and warnings God gives through this prophet. For instance, for centuries, Edom had mocked Israel's … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Obadiah
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Amos
One of the reasons God sent Amos to the northern kingdom of Israel was to rebuke them for their disregard for genuine worship of God. We can't fool God. He knows the difference between a fact and a fake. Genuine and pretentious. It is easy to skim over the biblical passages citing God’s abhorrence of … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Amos
Church. Does it really matter?
"Someone tell me why actual church attendance is needed. What’s wrong with me watching it on tv, my device, etc? I mean, that’s better than nothing, right?" Yes. That’s better than nothing. Most of the time when someone asks the very-common question, "Is going to church all that important?", the response will include a passage … Continue reading Church. Does it really matter?
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Joel
Following a devastating locust invasion – unprecedented in its scope of damage – God instructed Joel to use the locusts as a living illustration of the judgment to come on Judah if they did not repent of their luke-warm, indifferent approach to God. In Joel 2:25, God says to Judah, “I will restore to you … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Joel
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Hosea
Hosea beautifully – and frighteningly – describes God’s loyal/covenant love for a stubborn, rebellious people. Like any parent who loves their child more than anything, God uses Hosea to warn Israel of punishment to come so as to protect them from horrible pain. They refused to listen. Below is a beautiful quote from the 5th … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Hosea
Why is there Something Instead of Nothing?
The Christian graduate student organization I was a part of at Texas Tech University invited Dr. Michael Strauss to speak in 2015. I was given the privilege of sitting down with him over lunch and visiting with him personally. It was dialogue that strained my intellect, to say the least. I continue to correspond with … Continue reading Why is there Something Instead of Nothing?