The Talmud (a collection of Jewish rabbinical commentaries) tells a story of the great Rabbi Akiva. Shortly after the Temple’s destruction in AD 70, he led a group of rabbis …
God and Punishment
Several years ago, one of my daughters asked me, “Why do we have to be punished?” While I am not always prepared to answer such tough questions, I was ready …
Finding Joy in Darkness
“We need to talk.” “I don’t love you.” “She’s not going to make it.” “He took his own life.” Once you hear enough of these, your mind goes to some …
What Is the Purpose of the Ten Commandments for Christians Today?
A Sunday school teacher discussed the Ten Commandments in class with her 5 and 6-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to honor our fathers and mothers, she asked, “Is there a commandment …
Future Rewards
With the advent of the Internet, online shopping, and endless apps for immediately accessing books, movies, how-to videos, and beyond, the virtue of waiting has slowly ebbed away in our …
Who Are the 144,000 of Revelation?
One of the intriguing mysteries of the book of Revelation is the identity of the 144,000 in chapters 7 and 14. In this prophecy, an angel announces that certain servants …
