The Story of the Flood

In light of the upcoming movie “Noah” I felt it would be helpful to write an article concerning different historical and theological aspects of the flood so as to dissipate any confusion that may exist or be caused by Hollywoods attempt. I also want to stimulate your mind concerning this time in history as the Flood carries a lot of scientific questions and statements as well as theological truths that can resonate with today. Along with the direct information that God’s Word gives us, many educated Bible scholars and scientists have proposed different theories. These theories attempt to connect the dots about what we do know and in this blog I will include speculation so please remember that.

Article outline:

1. What does the Bible tell us?
2. Common misconceptions
3. The Flood in other cultures
4. The times of Noah
5. Why did God do it?
6. The Promise

Proving God

Recently while driving to my hometown (a 6 hour drive), I listened to podcasts of debates between prominent Christian and Atheist authors/speakers and it got my gears turning. I’ve been involved in many debates and the big question “Can you prove God exists” often comes up along the way. Eventually the Christian is stumped and the Atheist thinks they’ve solved one of man kinds most ancient mysteries. But I wonder, is the question correct to begin with? Can the God of the universe be proven like some science experiment of theory?

Is God something to be proven or experienced?

The real proof, if any, of the living God of the Bible resides in the believers life. But can you bring your personal stories, testimonies, and experiences to a debate and argue them with a determined atheist as proof for God? Probably not. Sadly, it’s just not always effective using your experiences to try and convince others when, if they had the same experience, they would not be arguing with you. For the Christian your testimony is the best evidence they have on a personal level towards God. Sharing your testimony and stories of what God has done can change lives but to those who’ve already made up their mind it can be difficult.

Spiritual Warfare Takes Teamwork

(NET) Proverbs 24:6 for with guidance you wage your war, and with numerous advisers there is victory.

While this Proverb seems to be about military strategy and leadership it contains a deeper truth that if used will lead to a healthier Christian walk.
War and battle was a big theme in the Old Testament. Israel was often at war, they were constantly being judged by God through attacks from other nations. Satan also opposed Israel since they were God’s nation. The Devil tried to take them down but when they were right with God they won and when they were not right with God they failed and were defeated. Many scriptures refer to this part of the culture that existed in those times and when non believers or new Christians read these scriptures they are confused or turned off when they see killing and war in the Bible. While I don’t have the perfect answer as to why God seemed to condone war but I do know that today, in the days of the New Covenant, our struggle is not one against other people but against spiritual powers. This world is currently influenced and to some amount controlled by the Devil. So what do we do about that? Spiritual warfare.

Three “Problems” with Christianity

Shellfish, women’s rights, and slavery. What do these three thing have in common?

Well I recently had a discussion with an old friend from highschool who has gained a sudden interest towards spiritual living and towards “god”. Though not a Christian we had an interesting discussion about which way to approach God (Hinduism, Christianity, none of the above etc.) and he listed quickly 3 big problem he has with Biblical Christianity. They were shellfish (or dietary laws), the value of women, and the acceptance of slavery. I did not want to get in to a huge debate or waste his time if he was busy so I let them slide. But the more I got to thinking about it these three issues often come up with people who do not see Christianity as a wholesome or true way to God. And I wanted to cast some light on these little problems that are blown out of proportion and misunderstood.

The Bible, in 5 Verses

While reading Romans 1 last night with my favorite wife, I was already amazed by the 5th verse! “That is basically the whole theology of the Bible” I said. And so I wanted to share this gem with you, one that may be quickly overlooked as so many introductions to the epistles are.

(Romans 1:1-5 NKJV)
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures…

Pride – Your Hindrance To God and Greatness

Recently my college ministries curriculum took us to the topic of Pride and I got to thinking about how much of a problem it is if you want to be a real Christian. Not only that but if you want to be a successful Christian, a good spouse, a real friend, a follower of God. I could go on, but as you see pride is a hindrance in every area! Let me explain…

Jesus in the Old Testament?

Ever read this passage and was confused?

Jhn 8:56 – (Jesus speaking)Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
Jhn 8:57 – “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
Jhn 8:58 – “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!“

My 7 Favorite Posts

I’d like to share with you, if you are new some favorite posts of mine that I think are worth reading. Or perhaps this is just a sentimental look back on my posts which I took a lot of enjoyment from in their research and writing. This was a hard one and I had to omit a few old timers in order to not let this post go on and on, I hope this stuff blesses you and helps your walk with the Lord.

Is Jesus God?
The title is pretty self explanatory, I was inspired by a book I read in school that pointed out 9 or 10 basic proofs of Christ’s divinity, I felt that some of them were pretty weak so I wanted to do my own research on this topic. This single issue is what separates Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and some other “Christian” groups from the true Biblical example of what Christianity should be so I figured this was a pretty important subject to me.

Are All Religions True?
This is another topic I feel strongly about, when someone disregards Christianity because they think that other religious paths are the equivalent to “my way” so “why change”? It’s an opinion formed out of comfort and ignorance and I wanted to lay out it’s silliness openly here.

How To Read Your Bible
This is one post that I’m most proud of because it is so applicable and has helped many of my friends get in to the Word of God and read it more effectively. It’s something that so many Christians struggle with for years and it keeps them from going deeper with God, to me that is just unacceptable if I can help. So I felt I should share some of my tricks that I picked up over the years. Feel free to share yours too!

End Times Timline
Now before you start calling me Daniel Camping, I’m not about predicting or countdowns. But I do feel the Bible does give us quite a few clues that we can draw a very general order from. This post was really a trip to make. I avoided this subject for a long time but I feel God kept drawing me to tackle this one so I gave in and I didn’t know what I was in for! It wasn’t easy and I don’t at all claim that this is the 100% perfect, absolute interpretation of end times events but I learned a lot and it is a needed discussion with all the apocalyptic junk out there.

The Story of Exodus 
Ok this isn’t one post but a series of 8 where I historically and spiritually examine the amazing story of the Israelites from captivity to the Tabernacle. I love every bit of this epic because there’s so much we glean from about God, sin, salvation, redemption, and Christ.

Scriptures, Without Context
Because I love the Word of God so much it really bothers me when scriptures are used improperly and promote an unbiblical lifestyle. Now I’m not going to go shouting them down like some crazies out there but I think this problem today should not be overlooked.

Hot Christian Sex
Yes, the title is a ploy to get you to read it! But the point is an important one to me (call me biased… I am married afterall). I believe God invented sex and that it should not be corrupted by sin or worldly ideas. But does this mean it becomes dull and boring? Only the opposite!

Something Borrowed

What happens when we give our whole life to God? What does that Christianese cliche even mean? Did you know God doesn’t just ask for your Sunday mornings and your nighttime prayers? He asks for it all. Here is what it looks like when you believe God is more qualified to run my life than you are.

Riding the Fence or the Wind

One day while Julia and I were driving I looked in my rear view mirror and happened to see two white plastic bags. One was flying around through the air in circles due to the high winds that day, the other bag was stuck on top of a barbed wire fence shredded to pieces. I had a sudden revelation! I want to be like the plastic bag that was carried and blown freely by the wind, not the one that’s stuck on the fence ripped to pieces. Which one fits you? Talking spiritually – do you feel free and guided by God? Or do you feel stuck and injured, unsure of how to break free from your current season in life? I pray that you’re the free one but if not then I pray that God will help you find your freedom and guidance in Him. God wants us to excel, to enjoy life, to achieve things, not to remain forever in poverty, purposelessness, and false humility. However, finding God is a two way street – as you go after God, He is allowed (by your actions) to come after you. Trusting in God for your every need and answer is the best place to live because He never disappoints.