Life's Inanities and Ironies

Have you ever felt like your life or community was heading in the wrong direction? Perhaps you’ve watched values you cherish fade away or sensed a growing disconnect from what truly matters. It’s a tough place to be, but history offers hope—and a roadmap for change. One powerful example comes from the Old Testament in the story of Jehoiada’s Reformations, found in 2 Kings 11:17-20 and 2 Chronicles 23:16-21. This account of a high priest’s courage and faith reveals timeless lessons that can inspire us today. In this blog post, we’ll unpack five key themes from Jehoiada’s story—faithful leadership, covenant renewal, rejecting idolatry, true worship, and the blessings of faithfulness—and explore how they apply to our modern lives. Whether you’re leading others or simply seeking to grow in your faith, these principles can guide you toward a personal spiritual reformation. The Story of Jehoiada Let’s set the scene. In ancient Judah, a dark chapter unfolded when Queen Athaliah seized the thr...

The Holy Bible, as the inerrant and inspired Word of God, is our ultimate authority and guide. Every account within its pages—from Genesis to Revelation—carries divine purpose, revealing God’s unchanging character, His righteous commands, and the eternal consequences of obedience or rebellion. In Judges 15:15-17, we find the true and literal account of Samson, a man chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This passage is not a mere story; it is a divine lesson, showing us God’s sovereign might, the power He grants to those who rely on Him, and the absolute necessity of living in submission to His will. God’s Mighty Hand at Work The Scripture in Judges 15:15-17 (KJV) declares: " And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cas...

Have you ever felt alone or uncertain about the future? In John 14:18-27, Jesus speaks words of comfort and assurance to his disciples during a time of great uncertainty. This passage takes place during the Last Supper, as Jesus prepares his followers for his impending departure. Yet, instead of leaving them with despair, he offers promises that echo through time—promises of presence, guidance, love, and peace. These words are not just for the disciples of old; they are for us today. Let’s explore what Jesus offers and how these promises can bring hope to our lives. Jesus' Promise of Presence Jesus begins with a powerful reassurance: " I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). This isn’t an empty promise. Through his resurrection, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and his promised return, Jesus ensures that his followers are never abandoned. Even in our loneliest moments, we can trust that he is near, offering comfort and strength. I recall a time ...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt completely out of your depth, yet somehow, things worked out? Perhaps you were thrust into leading a project at work, or maybe you faced a tough decision with little guidance. In those moments, self-doubt creeps in easily. But what if I told you that God often picks the most unlikely people to do His greatest work? That’s the heart of the story in Judges 4:11-25, where Deborah, Barak, and Jael show us that God can use anyone—regardless of background, gender, or perceived limitations—to bring about victory and change. Let’s dive into this ancient tale, unpack its key lessons, and see how they resonate with our lives today in 2025. A Quick Look at Judges 4:11-25 To set the stage, the Book of Judges captures a chaotic time in Israel’s history. With no central leader, the people cycled through sin, oppression, and deliverance. In Judges 4, Israel is under the thumb of Jabin, a Canaanite king, and his commander Sisera, who commands ...

The question of whether baptism is required for salvation has been a topic of debate among Christians for centuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fundamentalist Christian perspective on this issue, examining the predominant view, differing opinions, and the scriptural interpretations that shape these beliefs. Whether you’re a believer seeking clarity or simply curious about Christian theology, this post aims to provide a balanced and accessible overview. Key Points Predominant View : Most fundamentalist Christians believe baptism is not required for salvation, emphasizing that faith in Jesus Christ is the sole means of salvation. Differing Views : Some groups, like certain branches of the Church of Christ, teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, a view known as "baptismal regeneration." Scriptural Basis : The debate hinges on interpretations of key scriptures like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Acts 2:38, with baptism seen as either symbolic or essential. Understanding th...

In a world where health trends come and go, and wellness advice often feels fleeting, many of us crave guidance that stands the test of time. As believers, we turn to the Bible not just for spiritual nourishment but also for wisdom on caring for the physical bodies God has entrusted to us. Scripture offers profound insights into health, weaving together principles of diet, exercise, emotional well-being, and spiritual vitality. In this blog post, we’ll explore these teachings, uncovering how we can honor God through our health choices. Along the way, we’ll even dive into a unique biblical recipe—Ezekiel’s bread—that brings these principles to life. The Body as a Temple: A Sacred Responsibility At the core of the Bible’s teachings on health lies a powerful truth: our bodies are sacred. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. ...

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a challenging yet powerful passage from God’s Holy Word: the story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. Let us begin by affirming that every word in Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by the Almighty for our instruction and edification, as we read in 2 Timothy 3:16: " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ." This story, though it may unsettle us, is included in the Bible for a purpose—to teach us about sin, judgment, righteousness, and the boundless grace of our redeeming God. A Tale of Sin and Consequences The account opens with Judah, a son of Jacob, stepping away from his family and marrying a Canaanite woman—a choice that went against the clear guidance given to his forefathers (Genesis 24:3, 28:1). From this union come three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er marries Tamar, but his wickedness is so great that God strikes him dead (Genesis...

Have you ever felt trapped in a pattern of sin, knowing deep down that you need to change but finding it incredibly difficult to do so? Maybe it’s a habit, a thought pattern, or a behavior that you know doesn’t align with your values, yet it persists. This struggle is not unique to you—it’s a battle that countless believers face. Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many: the danger of being recalcitrant in sin. In other words, what happens when we stubbornly refuse to repent and continue down a path we know is wrong? More importantly, how can we break free from this cycle and embrace the freedom that comes with genuine repentance? This post is inspired by a powerful homily directed at fundamentalist Christians, a group known for their deep commitment to biblical inerrancy and personal holiness. But whether you identify as a fundamentalist or simply as someone seeking to live a life that honors God, the message is universal: sin can harden our hearts, and repent...

As we open the pages of the book of Exodus, we are met with a breathtaking account of God’s power and judgment—the ten plagues of Egypt. For Christians who hold fast to the literal truth of Scripture, this is not merely a historical tale but a vivid demonstration of God’s sovereignty over all creation. These plagues were no random disasters; they were deliberate acts of divine judgment aimed at the false gods of Egypt, revealing their powerlessness before the one true God. Today, let’s explore this sacred narrative, uncover which Egyptian deities each plague confronted, and see how it points us to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. The Oppression of Israel and God’s Mighty Plan The story begins with the Israelites suffering under the cruel hand of Pharaoh, who had enslaved them and ignored their cries for freedom. Yet, God heard their groans and called Moses to lead them out, declaring, “I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians ” (Ex...

 In a moment of celebration turned to terror, the death of Uzzah stands as one of the most sobering events in Scripture. King David, with a heart full of zeal, led a procession to bring the Ark of God—the sacred symbol of God’s holy presence—to Jerusalem. Thousands of Israel’s finest joined him, with music filling the air and joy abounding. Yet, in an instant, God’s judgment fell. Uzzah, a man tasked with guiding the Ark, reached out to steady it as the oxen stumbled—and God struck him dead on the spot. This shocking account, recorded in 2 Samuel 6:1-7, is not merely a historical footnote. For those who hold to the literal truth of God’s Word, it is a powerful warning of God’s holiness, the absolute necessity of obedience, and the deadly consequences of sin. Let us examine this event closely, focusing on Uzzah’s death, to understand its lessons for us today as fundamentalist Christians. The Scene: Joy Shattered by Judgment Picture the scene: David, the man after God’s own heart, ha...

The story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, as told in 2 Samuel 15-18, is a gripping tale of family conflict, betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of sin. At its core, this Old Testament narrative offers timeless lessons on human relationships, leadership, and faith. Through the tragic events surrounding Absalom's ambition and David's response, we are reminded of the dangers of pride, the importance of parental responsibility, the sovereignty of God, the complexity of love and forgiveness, and the lasting impact of our actions. These lessons are as relevant today as they were in ancient Israel, offering us wisdom for navigating our own lives. The Story of Absalom's Rebellion In 2 Samuel 15-18, we witness the heartbreaking unraveling of King David's family. Absalom, David's son, driven by ambition and resentment, stages a coup to overthrow his father. He wins the hearts of the people by promising better justice and uses his charm to un...

In Genesis 19:15-26, we encounter a gripping story of divine judgment, obedience, and God’s mercy. This passage, set within the larger narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction, isn’t just an ancient tale—it’s a timeless lesson for our faith today. As we explore this dramatic account, we’ll uncover the importance of heeding God’s warnings, the dangers of compromising with sin, and the incredible mercy God extends to us. Let’s dive into this passage and see how it speaks to our lives as modern Christians. Explanation of the Passage The scene opens with urgency. Angels arrive at Lot’s home in Sodom, warning him to take his family and flee before God’s judgment rains down on the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The instruction is clear: “ Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:17, NIV). Yet, Lot hesitates. In an act of mercy, the angels physically lead him, his wife, and his daughte...

 In the book of Genesis, we find a powerful account that reveals the consequences of human pride and disobedience. The story of the Tower of Babel is not just ancient history—it’s a timeless warning for us today. As we study this passage, let us remember that " All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness " (2 Timothy 3:16). May we approach this text with humble hearts, ready to receive its truth, for it speaks directly to us as Christians committed to the authority of God’s Word. The Biblical Account As Genesis 11:1-4 tells us, " Now the whole earth had one language and the same words... And they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth. ’" God had commanded mankind to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1), but these people united in rebellion, se...

In the book of Judges, we encounter the story of Jephthah, a leader of Israel whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. His story, particularly in Judges 11:29-40, is one of the most challenging and thought-provoking passages in the Old Testament. It revolves around a vow Jephthah made to God—a vow that would have heartbreaking consequences. Through this story, we are reminded of the seriousness of our commitments to God, the dangers of rash promises, and the faith required to navigate difficult situations. But beyond the tragedy, there are lessons for us today about trust, dedication, and living sacrificially for God’s kingdom. The Story of Jephthah’s Vow Jephthah was a judge of Israel during a time of conflict with the Ammonites. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, he prepared to lead Israel into battle. Before the fight, however, he made a vow to God: “ If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph f...