"Turning Points: From Struggles to Strength"

Understanding Human Purpose: A Divine Revelation Chapter 1: The Source of Understanding God’s role as the ultimate source of truth, justice, and purpose is foundational to understanding human life and its value. His omniscience and wisdom encompass all complexities, providing clarity through His creation, His Word, and His Spirit. God’s Nature God is omniscient—He knows all things and comprehends the intricacies of life, morality, and human relationships. His wisdom, as revealed in Scripture, is perfect and unchanging. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in Him for guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God’s Revelation God reveals truth through multiple avenues: Scripture : The Bible provides principles and examples to understand human value, justice, and purpose (e.g., Genesis 1:27, Micah 6:8). Creation : Nature reflects God’s power and wisdom, demonstrating th...

Here’s a draft for a gospel tract tailored to the transgender community, focusing on the truths of essence and being made in the image of God . This tract seeks to communicate the gospel with compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for individual experiences. Front Cover : "Discover Your True Worth: Loved, Known, and Made in His Image" "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." — Psalm 139:14 Inside: Section 1 — You Are Wonderfully Made Who You Are at Your Core : At the deepest level, you are not defined by your struggles, appearance, or how others see you. You are defined by the One who created you. In Genesis 1:27, God says, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This means: You are created with purpose. You reflect God's goodness and creativity. You are loved and valued, no matter what. Section 2 — Your Essence: Unchanging and Valuable What Is Essence? Essen...

In everyday terms, a shadow is a dark area or shape produced by an object blocking light. It has no substance of its own but reflects the outline or form of the object creating it. It is not a person or thing in itself but a representation of something real. In the context of Old Covenant Israel , "shadow" often refers to the symbolic or prophetic aspects of the Law, ceremonies, and institutions God gave to Israel. These shadows pointed forward to greater spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ. Shadows in Old Covenant Israel: Symbolic Representation : The term is used metaphorically in the Bible to describe how the Old Testament laws and practices were not the ultimate reality but representations or foreshadowings of God's ultimate plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:1 : "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves." This means the sacrifices, the priesthood, the tabernacle, and the festivals s...

  Encouraging a child to overcome the hurt caused by an adult's bad behavior requires compassion, empathy, and the use of Scripture to remind them of their inherent worth and God’s purpose for their life. Here's how to approach this with God’s Word as a guide: 1. Affirm Their Worth in God’s Eyes Scripture to Share : "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Message : Remind the child that they are beautifully and intentionally made by God. Their value is not determined by how others treat them but by God’s unchanging love and purpose for them. 2. Teach Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom Scripture to Share : "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32) Message : Explain that forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing the bad behavior but letting go of the burden of anger or sadness. This frees their he...

  Hope in the Midst of Suffering Life’s Hard Questions Life can feel unbearably hard when we or someone we love is facing suffering, like a devastating diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. It’s natural to ask, “Why me?” or even feel angry at God. These moments can leave us feeling isolated, confused, and searching for answers. But you’re not alone in feeling this way. Scripture and the experience of countless believers remind us that God is present in the midst of our suffering. God Understands Your Pain God is not distant from your suffering. He knows what it’s like to experience loss, grief, and pain. The Bible says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Jesus Himself wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He had the power to bring him back to life (John 11:35). This shows us that God grieves with us. He is not indifferent to our pain but deeply compassionate. Why Does Suffering Happen? Suffering exi...

  Title: Mormonism vs. Protestant Reformed Christianity: Understanding the Differences Introduction Religious beliefs shape how we view God, salvation, and the purpose of life. Two worldviews that often intersect in discussion are Mormonism, represented by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and Protestant Reformed Christianity. While both claim roots in Christianity, their differences are profound and foundational. This blog explores the key distinctions to provide clarity for those seeking truth. 1. Authority and Scripture Mormonism: Recognizes additional scriptures: The Book of Mormon , Doctrine and Covenants , and Pearl of Great Price . Believes in ongoing revelation through living prophets, starting with Joseph Smith, who restored the true church after a "Great Apostasy." Accepts the Bible but views it as correct only when "translated correctly." Protestant Reformed Christianity: Upholds sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the ...

  Responding to Tragedy: A Guide for Understanding and Action Introduction The occurrence of tragedies like school shootings leaves us grappling with deep questions about God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and our role in making society healthier and better. This guide explores a biblically grounded response to such events and offers practical steps to navigate through them and promote positive change. 1. Understanding God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will God Permits, But Does Not Cause, Evil School shootings result from human sin and brokenness. While God allows such events within His sovereign plan, He does not cause moral evil. Genesis 6:5 : "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth." Free will is essential for love and moral responsibility, but it also allows for the possibility of evil. God’s Purpose in Allowing Evil God’s purposes in allowing tragedies can include: Demonstrating the consequences of living in a fallen world. Dr...

  Saving TikTok: A Modern Printing Press for U.S. Innovation and Influence Introduction: A Historical Parallel Imagine a world where the printing press had been abandoned out of fear of change—where humanity missed out on the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Throughout history, transformative technologies like the printing press have faced resistance and skepticism due to their disruptive potential. The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, revolutionized communication and democratized knowledge. Yet, it was met with fear as authorities worried about the spread of dissenting ideas and loss of control. Despite these concerns, the printing press became a catalyst for societal progress. Today, TikTok stands as a modern parallel, offering unprecedented opportunities for creativity, connection, and cultural exchange. Rather than shutting TikTok down, we should harness its strengths, just as societies embraced and regulated the printing press to serve broade...

  Standing Strong: Overcoming Discomfort and Staying Present Introduction Staying present in a room, especially when it feels uncomfortable, is an act of courage and growth. Whether it’s dealing with consequences from an action—good or bad—or managing internal discomfort, staying in the moment builds emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and deepens your character. This guide will help you understand the discomfort, reframe your mindset, and respond with practical steps grounded in biblical truths. 1. Understanding the Discomfort Before applying solutions, it’s important to reflect on why staying present feels difficult. Discomfort may stem from: Common Causes: Fear of Judgment Thought : “They think I’m careless or irresponsible because of what I did.” Shame or Guilt Thought : “I messed up, and I don’t deserve to be here.” Discomfort with Praise Thought : “I don’t need attention for this. It’s no big deal.” Avoiding Responsibility or Conflict Th...

Cultural Maturity: How Ancient Israel Defined the Right Age for Marriage When studying biblical times, especially Old Covenant Israel, it’s important to remember that cultural norms were vastly different from modern standards. One area where this is particularly evident is the concept of the "marriageable age." Unlike today, where laws and societal expectations define appropriate ages for marriage, ancient Israel operated within a framework shaped by family, maturity, and survival. Puberty as a Natural Marker In ancient Israel, puberty was generally seen as the natural milestone for determining when a person was ready for marriage. This was rooted in practical and cultural concerns, particularly the ability to bear children. For girls , marriage often occurred shortly after they reached physical maturity, which was typically around 12 to 14 years of age . The onset of menstruation was viewed as a signal of readiness for marriage and childbearing, which were central purposes ...

  The Law of the Unbreakable Word In a distant land, there lived a wise and mighty king named Elian. His people loved him for his fairness and justice, for he ruled not by whim but by law. Elian had always taught his kingdom that a king's word was the foundation of trust—once spoken, it must stand, or all else would crumble. One day, a band of thieves plagued the kingdom, stealing from the people and sowing discord. In response, King Elian made a new decree: "Let it be known throughout the land—anyone caught stealing shall be sentenced to death, no matter their rank or relation to the king. For justice must be impartial, or it is no justice at all." The people rejoiced, for they trusted the king’s unwavering commitment to fairness. And so, the thieves grew wary, and the kingdom enjoyed peace for a time. The Betrayal Months later, a thief was brought before the throne. The guards threw the criminal to the floor, and when the hood was pulled back, the courtroom gaspe...

  Jealousy: A Word with a Rich History and Deeper Meaning The word jealous is often misunderstood, carrying a reputation for negativity and insecurity in today’s world. But this complex term has a fascinating history that reveals a much broader range of meanings—both human and divine. By tracing its roots and cultural evolution, we can uncover its deeper significance, especially in the context of relationships and faith. The Origins of Jealousy The word jealous comes from the Old French jalous (12th century), which stems from the Latin zelosus , meaning "full of zeal." This, in turn, is connected to the Greek word zēlos (ζῆλος), signifying zeal, passion, or ardent devotion. Historically, jealous carried both positive and negative meanings: Positive : A passionate pursuit of something good, like justice, love, or loyalty. Negative : Envy or resentment toward others’ possessions, status, or relationships. This duality is key to understanding how the term has been...

  A Hymn Based on the Book of Obadiah "The Lord’s Sure Justice Stands" O nations, hear the sovereign call, The Lord of hosts reigns over all. Edom’s pride shall fade away, For judgment comes on this great day. Though mountains rise and towers gleam, God humbles those who vainly dream. Chorus: The Lord is just, His hand is strong, He rights the wicked’s grievous wrong. From Zion shines salvation’s light, His kingdom stands in holy might. O Jacob, hear the promise true, Restoration God brings to you. Your fields once lost shall be restored, The earth belongs unto the Lord. Though enemies rise, though tempests roar, His covenant holds evermore. Chorus: The Lord is just, His hand is strong, He rights the wicked’s grievous wrong. From Zion shines salvation’s light, His kingdom stands in holy might. The day of God draws near, behold, As flames consume, His wrath unfolds. But mercy crowns the humble heart, From Zion’s hill, His love imparts. Lift...

 The concepts of natural rights and constitutional rights are both foundational to political and legal philosophy, but they differ in origin, scope, and application. Here's a breakdown: 1. Natural Rights Definition: Natural rights are fundamental rights that are believed to be inherent to all human beings by virtue of their humanity. They are not granted by governments but are derived from nature, reason, or God, depending on the philosophical perspective. Key Characteristics: Universal: Apply to all people everywhere, regardless of time or place. Inalienable: Cannot be legitimately taken away, though they can be violated. Philosophical Origins: John Locke, an Enlightenment thinker, argued that natural rights include life, liberty, and property . Thomas Jefferson referenced these in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, though he replaced "property" with "the pursuit of happiness." Moral Foundation: Natural rights often serve as the moral bas...

 The term "resist" carries a strong connotation of opposition or defiance. In a biblical and theological context, to "resist the LORD God" implies an intentional or unintentional posture of rebellion, rejection, or disobedience against His will, commands, or guidance. Let’s explore this idea in depth, starting with the meaning of resistance and its implications in relation to God. 1. Defining "Resist" The word "resist" comes from the Latin resistere , meaning "to stand against" or "to oppose." In Scripture, this term conveys an active or passive stance of opposition: Active Resistance : A willful act of rebellion or defiance, such as refusing to follow God’s commands or choosing to sin knowingly. Passive Resistance : A neglect or indifference to God’s guidance, where a person fails to respond to Him, perhaps out of fear, pride, or spiritual apathy. 2. Scriptural Context of Resisting God In Scripture, resisting the LO...

  Exposition of the Word Slave and Its Historical Usage The term slave carries profound historical, social, and cultural significance, reflecting a history of human subjugation and economic exploitation. Its usage has evolved over centuries, embodying both the realities of forced servitude and the broader moral, spiritual, and philosophical implications of human dignity and freedom. This exposition explores the etymology, historical development, and contexts in which the term has been applied, while addressing the complex legacies it leaves behind. Etymology of the Word Slave The word slave is derived from the medieval Latin term sclavus , which itself originates from the Greek sklabos , referring to the Slavic peoples of Central and Eastern Europe. This etymological connection reflects the historical reality that many Slavs were captured and sold into servitude during the early Middle Ages, particularly by Byzantine and Islamic empires. Over time, the term came to denote a ...

The Benefits of Singing and Listening to Hymns Compared to Modern Contemporary Christian Music Music is a powerful tool for worship, reflection, and community, and in the Christian tradition, it serves as a medium through which we glorify God and meditate on His truth. Both hymns and modern contemporary Christian music (MCCM) have significant value in the life of the believer, but hymns offer unique benefits that distinguish them from more modern styles of worship. Here is an exploration of the benefits of hymns, particularly in contrast to MCCM. 1. Hymns Are Rich in Theology and Doctrine Hymns are often densely packed with theological truths and biblical doctrine, making them an excellent tool for teaching and meditation. Songs like Holy, Holy, Holy and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God present profound, scripturally rooted ideas in a poetic format, helping believers meditate on God’s character, sovereignty, and grace. While MCCM also seeks to express biblical truths, it often emphasizes...