Many times I asked myself; "how do I know if she is the 'one'?" Have you ever thought anything like this? Have you ever wrestled in prayer, sought advice, fasted, wailed and beat your chest, racking your brain on whether or not this is the person that God wants you to be with (this usually happens only after the emotionalism and romantic hype fades and we are a bit more sober in our thinking)? Where does this notion of "soul mates" come from? Is it even a biblical one? It might be good to insert a comment about Gen 24:12-14 about Abraham's servant praying ("fleecing"? - c.f. Jdg 6) to find a wife for Abraham's son Isaac as this is often referred to in order to defend the notion that it is a biblical idea that there is "one". My retort would be; is this instance and situation for Abraham's family supposed to be prescriptive for our romantic efforts, or simply descriptive? How can we know? (a helpful place to start: "How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth") I can probably identify where this notion started for me: growing up I remember as a teenage boy my grandfather asking me what I thought the perfect girl would be. I went on to describe the qualities and attributes that I thought made up my dream woman, and he proceeded to tell me that God had just that woman out there for me. Along with that I had a bombardment of messages through media, culture, and friends and family that all essentially boil down to love and romance being the pinnacle of existence. So where does that leave us as Christians? Well, to start I must emphatically refuse the notion that romance is the height of all existence. It is true that the bible records the fact that God saw it was not good for man to be alone and therefore created for him a 'suitable helper' (c.f. Gen 2:18) - (as in none of the animal kingdom provided Adam with the companionship and help he needed in order to take care of the earth). Yet it's a false notion to say that God is not sufficient for man's enjoyment and satisfaction, and that you must have romance in order to have the greatest life, for it is Christ alone that offers life to the full (Jn 10:10), not romance, money, pleasure, leisure, or any other thing. So I believe that leaves us as Christians right where God wants us, resisting the world and pursuing His kingdom - some with romance, some without. But what does that look like? I believe every Christian who is single should take seriously the admonitions and warnings in the scriptures before they pursue marriage (Mat 19:1-12; 1 Cor 7) and to think through if they are willing and able to stay single for the sake of the kingdom. Many might bring up Paul's 'gift' in regards to this idea (1 Cor 7:7): however I am not convinced that the traditional view of Paul's gift means that he didn't desire romance, companionship, or even sexuality. Perhaps the 'gift' he spoke of wasn't that he lacked desire, but instead had self-control and thus could adequately deal with his desires? Ultimately it is unclear as to what Paul's 'gift' was, but I believe it should be strongly considered and faithfully prayed through before any decisions are made to seek marriage. God and His kingdom should be the driving force behind our thinking and decision-making, not simply the culture of love and romance around us. Once the idea of intentional singlehood (I distinguish intentional from unintentional) has been carefully considered and one decides to pursue marriage and romance in the context of the current American culture of dating, then I believe moving forward in faith and implementing the biblical principles discussed in this series is the next step. *For a further in-depth and thorough look at the idea of "the one", please read: "Decision Making & The Will Of God" #dating #relationships

Continuing in 1 Timothy 4: Day 1. Read! As usual, continue reading 1 Timothy in as many versions of the bible as you can. Day 2. 1 Tim 4:1-3 - Faith Abandoners If you have been walking with the Lord for any amount of time, you have likely known someone who has abandoned the faith to follow some deception (the specific deception Paul is dealing with here is Gnosticism). I think the point is that people can in fact abandon, leave, fall away, and wander from the faith (see here). How can you protect yourself from this? (c.f. Heb 3:12-14) Day 3. 1 Tim 4:7-8 - Physical & Spiritual Training This is a particularly meaningful passage for me as I enjoy physical training (and training generally) but it helps to bring me back to and keep in focus the truth of the prioritization of my training. Physical training is of some value and needed in the Christian life (see here) but is inferior to the endeavor of spiritual training (see here). Of special note, Paul tells Timothy that he must train himself to be godly, it is primarily his own responsibility, not someone else’s, to be godly and to pursue the training (gymnazō: the intensity and focus of an athlete is in view here) to get him there. Day 4. 1 Tim 4:12 - Age ain’t nothing but a # Paul admonition to a young minister I believe has a broad application to all young people who are following the Lord Jesus. These 5 areas; speech, life, love, faith, and purity would be good areas to take stock of and seek input on how you can continue to grow and what kind of example you are currently setting for the believers around you. Day 5. 1 Tim 4:16 – Life & Doctrine With salvation in view here, Paul points to both life and doctrine as being important not only for those around you (for who will believe a hypocrite) but also for your own soul. It’s likely at one point you took special note to watch your life and doctrine closely (for you became a Christian according to the teachings of the bible, as opposed to current Christian culture, preachers, family, etc.) but are you still actively persevering in that process, or have you become comfortable, resting on the fact that you once did that? #biblestudy

I hear it all the time; "there are no scriptures on dating in the bible"! Ironically perhaps, I usually hear it in a defensive or hostile tone (of which there are plenty of scriptures in the bible about). After sharing some articles and seeing such an outbreak of response, I wanted to write some of my own on these topics that are so relevant to Christians (particularly in the west), the topics of romance, dating, and marriage. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart as I dated both before and after I became a Christian (at 22) and even while I was in the church, I dated exclusively and steady 5 different times over the course of almost 10 years before I was engaged and married. I have personally done things well, and I have done things not so well. I by no means hold all the answers (no one except for God holds that title), and I do not presume to understand how all of these things work, for they "are too amazing for me" (Prov 30:18-19). Since even a cursory reading of the bible helps us to know that "dating" in our current cultural understanding and practice is not a biblical concept. In fact, it "doesn't even appear in any society, western or otherwise, in any systematic way until the 20th century" (biblical dating). But this obviously doesn't mean that the bible has no wisdom to shed on our minds and hearts in reference to how we approach this difficult topic. Also, it is helpful to know that I am presenting and coming from a traditional evangelical view of the sufficiency and inerrancy of the scriptures (for a further look at how the bible applies principally toward practical decisions in our lives, I highly recommend Friesen's excellent work on the subject "Decision Making & The Will of God"). This is paramount as without this starting point, anybody's guess is as good as anybody else's. So that's it to start with, we must scour the bible to find principles that can have application to our practical decisions in a culture and context that was non-existent in the bible. And we must have grace and patience with one another (Col 4:6) as we speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15) and journey through this together. And I would like to stress that we do in fact journey through this together, for His glory. For a good read by my friend Dave Eastman on the topic of Christians dating non-Christians, see here. What are some scirptural principles in the bible that you think would apply to dating and why? (please comment in the section below) #dating #relationships

We are all superstars. Right? We are all going to be millionaires. Right? We are all going to be famous. Right? What if we are not, it's no one's fault but our own. Right? We didn't work hard enough. Didn't want it bad enough. Didn't push down our neighbor far enough in order to rise above them. This is the American Fable passed down to us millennial’s, is it not? The problem? It's all a lie. Obviously we are all special in one sense; in the sense that it is likely each of our mother's think we are special. There are nearly 7 billion other human beings currently on the planet walking around, scurrying about, and being famous. 7 Billion famous people. And of course this taints our view of God's love for us. No doubt that each of is special and unique in the sight of God, at least special enough apparently for Him to give up His Son as a sacrifice available to each one of us without discrimination (c.f. Col 3:11). But how does this American Fable (breaks into song: "tale as old as time" ♫♪) affect our understanding of the gospel? Well, I would argue that it makes us think to highly of ourselves, as though God owes us something. I would argue that it causes us to think overly individualistically, not appreciating, valuing, or committing to Christ's body as He desires and calls us to. I would argue that it gives us false expectations and leaves us unnecessarily disappointed in view of life's sufferings and seemingly unjust twists and turns. I would argue that it makes us generally soft and saddened, all the while Christ bled and died for us to have life that is restful, not burdened, that is light (Mat 11:28-30), and one that is full (Jn 10:10). So the next time you hear a message that says; "it's all about you" in some form or fashion ... reject it for what it is: Satan's ploys to prey on our sinful nature, that desire to set ourselves above God (Deu 4:35) and want it to really be all about us. It is not. It is all about Him (Col 1:17). #culture

Mark 10:29-30 Jesus says that you will receive one hundred times as much what you give up for the sake of the gospel and following him! WOW! That's a 10,000% return on investment! Anyone on Wall Street would be a fool to not take that trade! Now clearly, what we give up is enormous as well, for it's everything we have (c.f. Lk 9:23; 14:33), but Jesus says that it will all be well worth it (c.f. Mat 10:39). So here it is Christian: can you come up with 100 things that you have gained since becoming a Christian and disciple of Jesus? This week, come up with a list of at least 100 things and pray through them with prayers of gratitude (Phil 4:6; 1 Tim 2:1).

In lieu of a recent unexpected tragedy in my immediate church family, I decided I wanted to share some thoughts: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” - 2 Corinthians 1:3 There are many things in life that present incredible challenges to us. Great suffering and pain that is difficult or impossible to explain or understand (c.f. Job). In the midst of our lack of understanding, and in the middle of our pain and grief, though God may not give us answers, He tells us that He understands and that He is with us through it all. Jesus says that He is able understand and relate to all that we go through (Heb 4:15; 5:7-8) and that He is able to represent us perfectly to His perfect Heavenly Father (Heb 10:19-22). Jesus calls us His friend and brothers (Jn 15:15). In these times of difficulty, whether we are personally experiencing them or not (c.f. 1 Cor 12:26; Rom 12:15) we should look to God who is able to provide all comfort (2 Cor 1:3-6) and peace. He can provide in such a way that it defies our understanding (Phl 4:7). We should also help those around us with the comfort that we ourselves receive from the Lord (2 Cor 1:4), sometimes this means prayer, listening, or simply being in their presence without saying a word (c.f. Job 2:13). None of us will ever have all of the answers, and God doesn’t expect us to. He simply desires that we continue to seek Him, knowing that though He won’t always share the answers with us, that He loves us and will remain faithful to us, continuing to work for our good (Rom 8:28).

Continuing in 1 Timothy: Day 1. Read! As usual, continue reading 1 Timothy in as many versions of the bible as you can. Day 2. Elders & Deacons defining these different roles: Elders (overseer) = episkopē ἐπισκοπή Deacons = diakonos διάκονος Day 3. Women: 1 Tim 3:11 This could possibly be referring to the wives of deacons, or potentially to female deacons. The role of women in ministry has been something long discussed and differently concluded by many Christians over many centuries. I do not believe this will easily be agreed upon. Day 4. Do I aspire a 'noble task'? If you desire to be an overseer some day (or desire leadership of any kind) in the church, do you have the character that Paul instructs Timothy to look for when appointing men (and women?) to these positions? Are you making it your aim to grow in these areas? Are you enlisting anyone's help in these endeavors? Day 5. Mystery of the gospel: 1 Tim 3:14-16 The 'mystery' that Paul refers to here is fighting against the heretical gnostic teachings that Timothy was dealing with in Ephesus. This mystery (which angels longed to look into - c.f. 1 Pet 1:12) is the same teaching that we must uphold in our lives and ministry today (for we are all ministers - c.f. 2 Cor 5:11-21). *Another helpful look at 1 Timothy 3 #biblestudy

With the recent news reporting that signs of water being found on other planets in other solar systems etc., the question is raised, is there life elsewhere in the universe? With modern scientific discovery showing us more closely (we will likely never accurately understand) the true grandness of the universe (billions, even trillions of galaxies), it is hard to imagine that there could not be the proper mixtures of elements to support life somewhere in the universe. So what does this have to do with Jesus? Practically for you and me, nothing. But it can be neat to think about. Would Jesus still be the Lord of the possible aliens races and life forms out there? While the bible give no indication of any other life forms outside of earth, it certainly is specific about Jesus being Lord over ALL things and being involved in the creation of ALL things (Mat 28:18 - οὐρανός; Col 1:15 - κτίσις; Heb 1:2 - αἰών; etc.). So if there were any other life forms, aliens, parallel universes, or alternate realities, I am sure that Jesus Christ is still the only one through which it can be reconciled to THE creator (Acts 4:12 - οὐρανός).

Day 1. Continue Reading! It's amazing how simple but profound and impactful this is. Just reading the bible (c.f. Isa 55:10-11) will accomplish God's purposes. Continuing reading 1 Timothy several times Day 2. Prayer & Politics: 1 Tim 2:1-4 For a longer look at Christians and politics look here. Sufficed to say, as Christians we should be devoting ourselves first and primarily in the arena of prayer (not devoid of action of course - c.f. Jam 2; 1 John 3:18), this includes authorities globally not just our own (c.f. Mat 5:44) Day 3. ONE Mediator: 1 Tim 2:5 After a conversation recently, I realized this is still such a need today, just as it was in times past: that Jesus is the only mediator and way to God (c.f. Jn 14:6, Heb 9:15, etc.), opposing the thought that we are all gods, that all roads lead to heaven/god, that all spiritual teachers/gurus are equally valid and relevant, etc.. Paul was addressing this issue here, and this is still one of the primary tenants of the Christian faith that makes it audacious, controversial, and well ... hard to swallow. But hard to swallow or not, we must swallow it, or not, we cannot decide to change the message to something we prefer, having our proverbial cake and eating it too. Day 4. 1 Tim 2:9-10 There is so much that can be said here living in the West, where sexuality is king. We are all so intoxicated, inundated, and bombarded by the world's message to be sexy, thin, fit and to find ultimate identity in these things, which is inevitably to find our identity in the approval of other people, created beings. A message for those of us in the church: our lifestyles are a major part of what separates us from the kingdom of the world (c.f. Eph 2:2) and calls others to follow the kingdom of God (c.f. Mat 5:48; 1 Pet 3:1-6), so PLEASE check yourself (with others Godly input) about not only what you are wearing to church (PLEASE), but also what you are wearing in general (this principle also applies to men; especially as our culture is shifting much more to a male attractive mentality). Day 5. 1 Tim 2:11-15 Is Paul a chauvinist like many critics of the bible claim? A strange passage on the surface to us as modern readers influenced by the culture of equal rights, but to understand this properly we must have a better grasp of the context and culture of this writing (for a helpful article on this subject and passage look here). A careful look at the bible (both O.T. & N.T.) will show God's heart has always been "equality" for all peoples; gender, race, nationality, etc.. #biblestudy

Growing up in the 80's & 90's, bred on the origins of Hip-Hop and Gangsta Rap I was inundated with the message that there is a heaven, and it's got a ghetto. Meaning that there was going to be a place for those in heaven that didn't do right, and in fact even intentionally did wrong (killing, drugs, women, etc.) and that God somehow had an understanding with the wickedness of humanity, especially the plight of those in the ghetto, and that in effect, it would be the same in heaven. The idea was something that I believed, along with many around me as well. I mean it was being preached by some of the rap worlds greatest evangelist such as Tupac, Biggie, Snoop, Master P, and others. And lets face it, who wouldn't want to believe such a teaching. It essentially allows me to have the benefits of God, forgiveness, and heaven without having to change a thing about myself that I'm presently not in the mood for ... God will understand. I hope to make something ultra clear, there is a heaven, but there is no 'ghetto' there. For sure there will be pimps, prostitutes (Jn 8:2-11), thugs (Lk 19:8-10), and drug dealers in heaven, but they won't be there unchanged. They will be the ones who have been transformed (2 Cor 5:17), who have washed their robes clean by the blood of the lamb (Rev 22:14-15), who have repented (Lk 13:3-5) and have became the true preachers and evangelists on the earth with the message there is in fact a heaven, and that it is so wonderful, so beyond all compreshension, that it calls and empowers change in us in ways that are equally wonderful! #culture