Faith in a Promise – is it always Christ? – a study of Heb 11
by jonathan on June 1, 2011
In a previous article I’ve made the case that Jesus ‘had other sheep’ in the sense that he, and his Father, have been tending to sheeplike ones for a very long time. That this collective group of sheep is more inclusive than most Christian religions would like to acknowledge. In scripture, it includes Jews that never knew Jesus, but can also by definition include any faith of man, as long as they are sheeplike (humble, loving, etc)
Hebrews 11 is shaping up as a perfect catalyst for “debate” (I hate debates, but there, I said it) It focuses on a promise, and how the ancients were vested in it. Most Christian religions will teach that this promise was one of the messiah, and that all ancients in scripture looked forward to him. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
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How did Jesus already “have other sheep”
by jonathan on May 19, 2011
“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” – John 10:16
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After speaking with a few pastors, I’ve noticed a common theme with the Christian faith…that salvation relies on a version of the following: ‘follow Christ’ ‘through the blood of Christ’ ‘grace of Christ’ etc. Read the rest of this entry »
A summary of the Bible
by jonathan on April 24, 2011
Here is my current view, a 1000 foot synopsis, of what the Bible documents. No verses, just perspective. Curious your thoughts on it, or if you have your own version.
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A man chooses, out of ignorance, to rule himself in the quest for something better. Through this act, he unknowingly asks God to ‘cut the cord.’ God complies with the terms, and spiritually ‘signs a contract’ with man.
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Illustrating the theme of the Bible
by jonathan on March 23, 2011
This is a simple illustration that came to mind when I was going through a ‘moment’ – glad I had it.
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The master craftsman has decided to build a beautiful, perfect piano. He uses tools that he has created specifically for this project. He has gathered exotic, rare materials that only he can acquire. Read the rest of this entry »
Building a Spiritual Foundation
by jonathan on February 8, 2011
I’ve always wanted to be happy. To have joy. To feel like – not just that my life has meaning, but know what life means. I’ve constantly tried to find those answers in family, in children, in religion, charity, work and pleasure. But while all of these things, in their own special way, can bring happiness – I can’t help but think that there’s more. Am I qualified to find it?
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Leaving Jehovah’s Witnesses – Filling the Void
by jonathan on February 2, 2011
When I left the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I faced the challenge of finding faith in a world that I was trained to view as entirely under the control of Satan. Churches, people, education, entertainment and health care were never to be trusted unless they came with a seal of organizational approval.
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An Overview of Jesus’ Role, Works and Teaching
by jonathan on January 19, 2011
Jesus had a handful of objectives when he came on the scene, which he stated clearly and concisely by reading from Isaiah 61 to a hometown audience:
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Demystifying Revelation – Part 1 – Overview
by jonathan on January 6, 2011
Map and Outline of the vision in Revelation
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Demystifying Revelation – Part 2 – The Cast
by jonathan on January 5, 2011
Understanding the players of Revelation is necessary to understanding the prophecy itself. There are two tools at our fingertips
Other prophetic visions: In particular, Ezekiel and Daniel help unlock a lot of definition in Revelation.
Demystifying Revelation – Part 3 – The Beasts
by jonathan on January 4, 2011
There are really only three beasts that need identifying, and one of them is not even in Revelation. The first beast with seven heads and ten horns, is seen three different times.