Sometimes when someone asks about water baptism, he would be told: Jesus did it and so should we. The Bible says, “Those who believe and be baptized shall be saved.” And therefore he should get baptized. While both of these statements are true, they do not explain the meaning and reason for water baptism. Most … [Read more…]
Note: I was told this story verbally. If you know the origin of this story, please let me know. —————– Joshua and Paul have been the best of friends since kindergarten. They attended the same grammar school, junior high school, high school, and even college. Even though they ended up pursuing different careers after college … [Read more…]
Main Idea: In a courtroom setting, one side will try to convince the judge and a jury of the truthfulness of a Biblical event such as the resurrection, and the other side will try to refute it. This is a good introduction to apologetics. Example: Did resurrection really happen? Witnesses for the “Yes” side: The … [Read more…]
Story by Victor Hugo Valjean spent the next nine years after the death of Fontine taking care of Cosette, and she fell in love with Marius, one of the rebel students. The night before the battle, Valjean prayed for Marius. Unable to convince Marius to go with Cosette, he asked the Lord to let Marius … [Read more…]
Ten years later, Javert was the new police chief at city where Valjean had become mayor. One day he arrested Fontine after someone falsely accused her of an attack. Valjean came and took her out of jail and put her in a hospital. By then Fontine was dying and she asked Valjean to take care … [Read more…]
Story by Victor Hugo Jean Valjean was granted probation after spending 19 years in jail. No one would hire him for a good job. He was told to see a priest who ended up giving him food and a night stay. He saw the silver utensils the priest used, and that night he stole them … [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…]