Ed Jarrett

On the surface, the parable was just an interesting story, one that was easily understood by the listeners and based on things within their own experience. But the parable also had a deeper meaning, illustrating a spiritual truth. In Jesus' use of parables, this truth most commonly dealt with the kingdom of heaven. And it was a truth that was easy to miss.

It's a well-known fact that we all die. And the Bible assures us of an ultimate resurrection, when we believers will live with Christ in the New Heavens and the New Earth. But, what exactly can we expect in between these events? Will we just be "asleep"? Or will we get to be with Christ during that time as well? Let's take a look at what Scripture says.

Jesus called twelve men to follow him and be his disciples. They did not just cheer Jesus on in the work he did. These men left behind their nets, tax booth, and whatever else they had done before, and they got involved in the game, following Jesus wherever he went and learning all he had to teach them. And, in the end, he told them in turn to make disciples.

It is a mindset that understands the physical world is not all there is. There is a greater reality that is unknowable to our human senses. This greater reality, particularly the kingdom of God, is revealed to us in the Scripture and seen through the eyes of faith. An eternal mindset keeps the kingdom of God front and center in all one does.

Over the years, many arguments or proofs have developed for God's existence. These proofs are primarily philosophical in nature, although there is some scientific evidence to support some of them. None of them will conclusively prove the existence of the God of the Bible, but they do demonstrate that a belief in God is rational.

The author of Hebrews tells us that the sacrifices, especially the sacrifice of atonement, pointed to what Jesus did on the cross. He became the High Priest taking the blood of the sin offering into the Most Holy Place. But, while he alluded to their significance, he declined to discuss the significance of the tabernacle’s furnishings.

All those who have put their faith in the crucified and risen Jesus, and follow him as his disciple, have had their status changed from guilty to not guilty. But, so long as we live in the flesh, it is likely that we will continue to fail on occasion. And when we do, we are guilty of sin and may experience feelings of guilt.

It is important to remember that it is God’s power at work in me. It is not my power to harness as I wish. And he gives it to me for a reason. God’s power working through me enables me to accomplish whatever task he has given me.

As Christians, our goal should be Christlikeness – becoming like Jesus in all we say and do. But that is not something that happens automatically when we come to faith. It requires an intentional and ongoing effort on our part. So, what do we need to do? And what is the most important step in the process?

Be Born Again

The first step in becoming like Jesus is to “turn to God in repentance and have faith in the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). This results in what Jesus calls being born again (John 3:3). Being born again is a spiritual rebirth; no longer do I live only in the physical realm. When I have been born again, my spirit is awakened and is connected to God, the source of all life.

This new birth enables me to leave behind the old life that was separated from God, and it makes possible the new life in Christ. Nothing else in the process of Christlikeness is possible without this. This is the essential first step in becoming more like Jesus.

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As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are a part of the universal body of Christ. But we should also be gathering with other believers in a local community of faith – a place where we can serve God alongside other believers, as well as encourage and be encouraged during the faith journey we are on.

The Scripture is clear that God created the physical universe, the earth, and all life on it, including humanity. But it is less clear just why he created it all. This article is an attempt to provide an answer to that question. Why did God create?

Two Distinct Questions

The why of creation and God’s purpose in creation are two distinct but related questions. The question of God’s purpose in creation has to do with his goals for creation. What is it that he is working to accomplish in the creation? The “why” question is asking about God’s motivation in creation. Why is he doing this?

A simple example will hopefully serve to illustrate the difference between “why” and “purpose.” I am a backpacker, taking off for days at a time to live in the wild with only what I can carry on my back. Why do I do that? Because I enjoy being out in the creation and the solitude it provides.

But I have a specific purpose for each individual trip. It might be to find a quiet place to spend a day or two in meditation and prayer. It might be to spend a day or a week enjoying old familiar trails and sights. Or I might head out to explore someplace I have never been.

My purpose for an individual trip flows out of my love of being out in the creation. But that purpose is distinct from why I backpack in the first place. In the same way, God’s purpose in creation flows out of the why of God’s creation, but is distinct from it.

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The Bible was written in a time when the family, clan, and tribe were very important. And one’s identity was largely based on the group they were a part of. For them, the idea of corporate election would be easy to understand and accept.

The Bible was not written to satisfy my curiosity or to answer all the questions I might have. It was given to me to enable me to better know my God and to more effectively be in relationship with him, serving him as my Lord.

While much of the Bible is not intended to be taken literally, and may not always be accurate by today’s standards, it is always truthful. Allow the message of the Bible to speak its timeless truth to you without trying to make it be something it’s not.