Christian Questions Bible Podcast

The Thanksgiving holiday – it is a most misunderstood and misapplied American tradition. We all love the day off, the gathering of families and friends, the abundant food and the design of the day for leisure, but what was it originally? What was the reason for that original feast back in 1621, and what was the intention of the United States government in maintaining the November celebration? Stay with us as we look into some history, some Scriptures, some music and even some humor as we focus on Thanksgiving. Is it just a holiday or is it a way of life?

Prayer is an almost universal phenomenon. People pray to all kinds of “gods” and we pray about all kinds of things. We use all kinds of tools to help us pray – prayer shawls, wheels, rugs, books and beads, to name a few. People pray to worship, to ask for help, guidance, peace, patience, strength, courage, and tolerance. People pray to complain and vent. People pray to seek revenge, judgment, and self worth. People pray to dictate, command and get rich. People pray for whatever people want, see, like or wish. People pray – does it do any good?

Freedom is a good thing. Freedom to choose, freedom to act, freedom of thought – all good things. Our society touts this right of freedom especially in the case of a woman’s right to choose. Freedom though, without responsibility – this is NOT a good thing, for it takes the liberty of freedom and applies it with no boundaries – and without boundaries there can only be anarchy. So, what is the balance between freedom, responsibility and a woman’s right to choose for the Christian? Does the Bible tell us?

(Part 2 in a 2-part series) About a month ago we began talking about leadership – Christian leadership - and how important it is for a Christian community – any community - to have significant leadership. Without leadership, people tend towards their own way and more than that, without leadership people tend towards a self-centered and incomplete perception of the world around them. Our last conversation revolved around the internal aspects of leadership – what makes a leader from the inside out – today we talk about what makes a leader from the outside in.

Daniel was a good, righteous and deeply faithful man. From a very young age, he showed himself to be wholly keyed in on being in lock-step with obedience to God. God, in turn, blessed Daniel in many ways, from preserving his life, to granting him ability to interpret dreams, to elevating him in power, to bestowing upon him an incredible gift of prophecy. Oh yeah, and God also delivered him from the den of lions! Today, Daniel’s prophecies are among the most discredited scriptures in the Bible! Why? What is it about Daniel that makes so many afraid?

So, it’s fall and once again we are all gearing up for the big holiday. You know the one – it’s the holiday where kids rule and get stuff, where everyone suddenly seems to be in a giving mood and for one night anyway, freely gives to anyone who passes by. It is the holiday where adults can be more like children and all seem to be willing to step out of their normal roles. Yes, it is that jolly holiday called Halloween! Halloween – you know, the night when darkness, death and horror are center stage and evil is king! Okay, so, which is it? Is Halloween a good holiday or a bad one? What should we do with it?

We are blessed – truly blessed - to know Christ and to have the opportunity for salvation before us. In light of this blessing that is claimed by Christians, some have raised the question if you (Christians) have this blessing and path to God’s favor while the vast majority of the world’s population does not, then isn’t that saying that your God is not an equal opportunity employer? Is that a fair God? Is their question legitimate?

A few weeks ago, we began an important discussion regarding God and His treatment of humanity in the Old and New Testaments. There are many who say that the warlike and nationalistic activities of the God of the Old Testament cannot possibly be the same as the God of mercy love and salvation of the New Testament. So, how do we explain the obvious shift in focus? Stay with us!