How did God create the universe and the Earth? Did He constantly had to resort to supernatural intervention or did He just created a system of physical laws that led to the self operation of the universe? If so, are we here just by accident? Or was there a divine design behind our existence? Also, … [ Read more… ]
Note: this lesson is a good introduction to the science-related lessons in section 8. What is (natural) science? – study of nature – trying to explain how these things work – trying to explain what’s behind these phenomena How science works – observe – hypothesize a cause or process – test the hypothesis – compare … [ Read more… ]
How do we know God has a plan for each one of us? Ephesians 5:17 Does the existence of this “plan” mean we have no choice in our lives? God’s omniscience does not mean we are puppets with no choice (God chooses a certain person for certain ministry because He knows the person has a … [ Read more… ]
What kinds of strategies can the devil use to lead us away from the only true God? Let’s play a consultant to the hypothetical demon Screwtape (the demon from C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters) and design some tricks of our own. Hints: 1. Screwtape and his friends have been on earth since the creation of … [ Read more… ]
The parable of the lost son (a.k.a. the prodigal son) is one of the most complete, detailed, and explicit parables of Jesus. It reveals the secret of our salvation and God’s attitude and expectations for the humanity. Symbolism: * robe of the Father – (1) redemption, righteousness (e.g., white robe of Jesus when He returns), … [ Read more… ]
Luke 5:27-32 Tax collectors during the time of Jesus collect taxes from people on behalf of the Romans. They often collect more than required and keep the extras for themselves. The Romans didn’t care much about it as long as they get the required amount themselves. So tax collectors are considered as traitors by the … [ Read more… ]
Does the Christian faith seem like a natural religion1 developed by our ancestors to satisfy their desire for spiritual beliefs? What does it imply if it doesn’t seem like a natural religion? What is a “Natural Religion?” A natural religion is a spiritual system created by people and gradually evolved over a long period of … [ Read more… ]