Part Four: “My INVITATION”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

My INVITATION: “I invite you to become a follower of Jesus”

Several years ago a friend shared an experience which revealed the importance of this fourth step of “A 3:15 Response” [featured in the past three issues of the Paraclete]. He was trying to help an unbeliever come to faith in Jesus. Over time he had told his own story of faith; explained the Christian worldview and the reasons it is true; all of this, but without a response from his friend. 

Loving God: A Valentine Reflection

A Pharisee asked Jesus, “Master, what are we to consider the greatest commandment?” Without a pause Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:35-36).

Perhaps everyone worries about this at times. We cannot find any such feeling in ourselves. What are we to do? The answer: Act as if you did! Do not sit trying to manufacture feelings. Ask yourself, “If I were sure that I loved God, what would I do?” When you have found the answer, go and do it. Loving God, then, is not romantic feelings, but a deliberate decision of the will.

Arsenic Eaters

In Genesis 1:26-28, God gave humanity the responsibility of management of His creation. When we discover wisdom which God placed in creation, we can use it for good. 

The Chinese brake fern has a rare ability: it thrives on poison, absorbing levels of arsenic that would kill most organisms. It combines arsenic from the soil with other compounds, to produce a substance which defends them against hungry insects, such as locusts. 

Finding Well-Being –
A New Year’s Resolution

A OnePoll survey reported that the average adult in the United States wakes up grumpy 300 times per year. Psychoanalyst Erica Komisar thinks she know why: “One of the most important explanations–and perhaps the most neglected–is declining interest in religion.” 

Indeed, a Harvard study of 5,000 children and teens reported that those who attended a religious service at least once per week scored higher on well-being measurements and had lower risks of mental illness. They also experienced a sense of mission, forgiveness, and lower probabilities of drug use and early sexual initiation. 

Jesus said:  “…I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Check it out! 

Source: World Magazine, December 28, 2019 (Vol. 34, No. 24), p. 13. 

“Let marriage be held in honor…” (Hebrews 13:4)

The share of U.S. adults ages 18-44 who have ever cohabited with a romantic partner is 59%. 

Only 50% of Americans in that age bracket have ever married. 

Source: World Magazine, December 7, 2019 (Vol. 34, No. 23), p. 9.

Part Three: “My REASONS”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

“Why do you believe in God?” the atheist may ask. Skeptics often challenge Christian believers with the questions, “Why do you trust the Bible?” and “Why do you believe that Jesus is God.” Even family members may ask, “How can I know there is life after death?” Your answers (or lack thereof!) to these why questions is “My Reasons.” It is part three of a series I call “A 3:15 Response,” which has appeared in recent issues of this publication.