Life's Inanities and Ironies

In a world filled with distractions, where everything from social media notifications to career ambitions vies for our attention, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. But as believers grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture, we know there's only one rightful occupant for the throne of our hearts: the Lord God Almighty. This blog post expands on a recent homily inspired by Exodus 20:1-3 , reminding us of the foundational command that shapes our faith and lives. Let's dive deeper into why God must be first—and what happens when He's not. The Divine Declaration: Who God Is Exodus 20:1-3 thunders from the pages of the Bible: "And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God , which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me." This isn't just ancient history; it's a living mandate for every Christian today. God isn't introducing Himself as one optio...

 The figure of Melchizedek , a mysterious priest-king from the Old Testament , serves as a profound typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ in the Epistle to the Hebrews , particularly in chapter 7. Typology in biblical interpretation involves seeing earlier persons, events, or institutions as patterns or "types" that anticipate greater realities (antitypes) in the New Testament . In this case, Melchizedek is not merely a historical curiosity but a divinely inspired analogy designed to illustrate the superiority and eternity of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system established under the Mosaic Law . The author of Hebrews draws from Genesis 14:18-20 —where Melchizedek blesses Abraham after his victory over the kings—and Psalm 110:4 , which declares, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." This typology addresses a key concern for the original Jewish-Christian audience: how Jesus, from the tribe of Judah rather than Levi, could le...

I’m coming up on three years since my kidneys failed and my life shifted to the rhythm of dialysis . For most of that time I’ve tried—really tried—to stay positive, to do everything asked of me, to keep myself transplant -ready. I’ve smiled through the needles, followed every rule, and held onto the hope that a kidney would come soon. Last year, during my annual transplant evaluation , I was told I needed to lose a significant amount of weight to remain eligible. I took it seriously. I increased my exercise as much as this tired body allows. I slashed calories. I tracked everything. And still… nothing. The scale refuses to move. I don’t know what else to do. There was another hurdle too: my bladder has shrunk and become rigid over these years of kidney failure . Without a urostomy , a new kidney wouldn’t have anywhere to drain. I met with the surgeon, everything seemed set—we were looking at surgery either late this year or early next—and then… silence. I’ve called and left messages. N...

In a world where doubt lurks around every corner—fueled by secular skepticism, cultural decay, and even the whispers of our own sinful nature—it's easy for even the most devout believer to feel the ground shift beneath their feet. As fundamentalist Christians committed to the literal, inerrant Word of God, we know that Scripture is our ultimate authority, not fleeting emotions or human wisdom. Today, let's dive deep into Hebrews 6:18-20 , a passage that doesn't just address doubt but equips us to slay it outright. Here, the inspired writer unveils three divine realities that serve as an unbreakable anchor for our souls. These aren't abstract ideas; they're biblical truths rooted in God's character, designed to fortify our faith and propel us toward holy living until Christ's return. Reality #1: The Unchangeable Promise and Oath of God – A Fortress Against Uncertainty At the heart of doubt is the fear that God's promises might falter. "What if I'...

 In our fast-paced world, where life's highway seems endless with its twists, turns, and traffic jams, it's easy to overlook the rest areas God places along the way. These are the moments of peace, reflection, and renewal that refresh our souls for the journey ahead. Drawing from the timeless truth of Scripture, let's explore Genesis 21:33-34 , where Abraham , the patriarch of faith, teaches us profound lessons on savoring these divine pauses. The passage reads: "And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba , and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days" (KJV). Here, after securing a covenant over a vital well in the arid wilderness, Abraham doesn't rush onward. Instead, he stops at Beersheba—"well of the oath"—to plant a tamarisk tree , worship the Eternal God ( El Olam ), and dwell there contentedly for an extended time. As sojourners in this world, much like Abraham in for...