We have been investigating what the Bible means by “walking by faith” as a necessity for our task of “ruling over the earth.” In this posting, I want to apply this truth to the practical situation of ruling in our families. What does that look like? In a nutshell, walking by faith in my family begins by walking in the light with family members in everything. Exposing my sin to the glorious, freeing, cleansing light of the grace of God, knowing they are all…

That’s a crucial question for me to ask myself as I consider my mission of ruling over the earth. Jesus is actually empowering me from within to rule right now, ONLY as I walk, not “according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4), i.e., as I live or walk “by faith.” “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live…

We are one-third of the way through a discussion of life’s foundational question: “Why am I alive on the earth today?,” as revealed to us in the creation account in Genesis 1:26-28. Last week we looked at purpose #1 of that three-fold commission: “To bear God’s image.” This week, #2: 2.) “Have dominion (rule)…over the earth… and every living thing that moves upon it” (vs.28). In these verses, God expresses why all descendants of Adam, every person who ever lived, including you and me,…

What if someone asked you, “What is your purpose for living? Why are you here?” What would you say? I have heard traditional answers to these questions, such as “To know God and to make him known,” and, to “Love God and enjoy Him forever.” Is that why you are alive? Is there not a more tangible, concrete answer to that question? I believe the Bible does give us a much more specific purpose for our existence. It is hard for me not to…

I am starting to learn to live a totally new way, as described in the Bible—with the attitude of a little child simply doing what Daddy tells me. Shockingly, and I am beginning to notice (naturally, spontaneously and unconsciously) some amazing things happening to me. I find myself beginning  to think of loving and not being loved; giving not receiving; being last, not first; serving, not being served; being a sinner, not a righteous Christian saint, etc.,  This is just the opposite of the…

In all three of the synoptic gospels, Jesus proclaims that we must become “as little children” in order to enter His kingdom (Matthew 18:2-5; Mark 10:15; Luke 9:46-48, 18:16, 17, 46-48).  Also, God the Father is called “Abba,” three times in the New Testament, once by Jesus and two times by Paul (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). This is an Aramaic word that signifies an intimate, experiential (ginosko) relationship with one’s Father, a word that many scholars contend is equivalent to our word,…

For the past few postings, we have done a deep dive into the two contrasting ways we know truth: 1.) external, observational, intellectual truth (eido) and 2.) internal, personal, experiential truth (ginosko)  These are both, as in law and grace, absolutely essential to comprehending The Truth of the Word of God. I believe that a keen observer will  notice that eido is much more prevalent as an acceptable way to know biblical truth than ginosko. The prominence of biblical, academic education, given to pursuing…

Last week, we discussed two different ways we learn from the Bible, represented by the two Greek words the Bible uses to describe them: 1.) eido – to learn by observation, reading, and study, and 2.) ginosko – to learn by hearing from God experientially, in our hearts. Both of these ways to know truth are necessary.  Since eido is knowing truth by external, intellectual study or observation of facts and not experiential, it is how we must know truth in the future, because…

The issue that we all face daily is “By what standard do I live my life?” I have always, since I was a little child growing up in a Christian home, believed that the Bible is my standard for how I live and what I believe, and I still do. The Bible is the transcribed record of what God’s prophets, apostles, a few of their close associates, as well as Jesus Himself, believed and taught. Nevertheless, even with the almost unanimous agreement among sincere…

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20, 21). These are the favorite verses for those who believe “Politics is a dirty business and good Christians don’t get involved.” Context, context, context! The Pharisees were asking Jesus when He thought the promised Messiah…