Water in the Gospels

The Gospel is defined by most as bringing the "Good news" of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard. The current sermon series at the Kalkaska Church of Christ is entitled "A Soggy Gospel." Each message in the series relates to water in the Bible. While there may be some overlap to sermons preached, let's look at how water is part of the four Gospels and more specifically related to the good news of Jesus Christ.

• John the Baptist's Ministry - John's primary ministry was at the river Jordan where people came to him in droves to be baptized in the flowing river waters. This baptism was a "baptism of repentance" and is always referred to "John's baptism" in the Bible so as to not be confused with Christian baptism as practiced in the book of Acts and the early church. 
• The Baptism of Jesus - Jesus was baptized in water by John the Baptist to "fulfill all righteousness." Water played a pivotal part in launching the ministry of Jesus to the world. 
• Jesus turns water into wine - His first miracle involved water. The most common liquid made into the most exquisite. 
• Must be born of water and the spirit- Jesus tells Nicodemus that to be "born again" one must be born of the water (baptism) and the spirit (Holy Spirit). Both are part of Christian baptism practiced to this day (Acts 2:38).
• Living water - Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman at the well about the "Living water" that Jesus gives. One will never thirst again or in other words have eternal life. 
• Washing the disciple's feet - Jesus takes on the task of a servant when he washes the soiled feet of His disciples. 
• Jesus walks on the water - This was a demonstration of his sovereignty over nature and claim to be God. 
• Water and blood flow out of Jesus' side - As Jesus hung on the cross dying, the spear that pierced his side caused a stream of blood and water indicating redemption and forgiveness through His death.
• The Great Commission - Jesus' last words to His followers were to go and immerse or baptize believers of the Good News in water. 

It is unmistakable that water plays an important part in the Gospel accounts of Jesus. From the baptism of John to the great commission given by Jesus as His final marching orders, water is present. Immersion into water symbolized a new beginning and a cleansing. And living water, given by Jesus to those who thirst for it, swells up in eternal life. 

AI in Christian Life

The biggest buzzword out there today is AI. AI or Artificial Intelligence is more popular than ever. It's also the fastest growing technology in the history of the world, outpacing the growth of personal computers, smart phones, and even the Internet.  When you hear talk of data centers, computer chips, and NVIDIA, these are all related to the ascent of AI. AI seems to be used by all aspects of life today, but how can you use AI in your Christian life? That's the question I have. 

• Ask it to create a Bible reading plan. Specify the Old or New Testament or which books you want to read. Tell it how frequently you plan to read. 
• Ask it to create a Bible study over a topic. Make a lesson. Add an outline and even a quiz at the end.
• Start a prayer list and allow it to provide ideas for prayer. Add or update items as you go. Ask AI to read it back to you. 
• Give AI a topic and ask it what the Bible says about it. Starter topics could include: money, marriage, drinking, sex, etc. 
• Do historical research on Christianity, church, christians, etc. Ask about the beginnings of the denomination or church you currently attend. 
• Ask AI how it can help you in your Christian walk. This step alone will produce a great amount of content. 

What are some AI tools I can use? 

• ChatGPT by OpenAI
• Claude Code
• Google Gemini

This technology is in its infancy so we have yet to see its full potential. Like any technology it is amoral with no bent towards good nor bad. Let's use the tools available to deepen our faith and our commitment to Christ and His church. 

Eyes Looking to Springtime

Springtime is right around the corner. The cold, frigid winter will soon be behind us and only a memory. The sun will shine in the sky. Green grass will appear on the ground. Trees will begin budding. Flowers and shrubs will make their annual appearance. All of God's creation that seemed to be sleeping will burst forth with life. 

How does the season change parallel with God's promises? Here are several that come to mind.

•  We fix our eyes on the future eternal - We know that winter is temporary, as are all the four seasons. They don't last, but are eventually eclipsed by the next season. Likewise, this world is not permanent, but will come to an end. Our earthly lives are like a mist or a vapor and only last a short time. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." By looking to what is ahead we can live with hope and joy.

  

  Springtime in Northern Michigan

• We move from death to life - In winter it appears that much of nature has died (when it is actually dormant), but in the spring, new life appears everywhere. Similarly Christians become alive through Jesus Christ being redeemed from a spiritual death. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "...God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..."
• We have new life in Christ - A very powerful metaphor of our future state is "the new creation." God created us after the model of Adam and Eve, but they became flawed due to disobedience and sin. The "new creation" comes when we put our faith into Jesus Christ. We're made new, sinless, and blameless. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here."
• Put on Christ like a new garment - The end of winter can become very drab, grey, and dreary. The explosion of spring is like God reclothing His creation with bright vibrant colors and strong sunlight. Christians are told to clothe themselves with Jesus Christ. Take of those sinful rags of wickedness and put on His beautiful wardrobe of righteousness. Romans 13:14 says, "Rather, clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Winter can seem endless depending on where you live, but change will come. Spring will usher in a new season of beauty, warmth, and new life. Trusting your life to Jesus can morph your old self into a new creation filled with promises for an eternal existence apart from pain, suffering, or loss. Adorning yourself with Jesus and living for Him is positively the best way to usher in any season - spring, summer, fall, or yes, even, winter. 

Ready for an upgrade?!

My laptop has been trying to update for weeks now. Every morning there is a notification that the update failed. I guess there are conditions I haven't met yet to allow it to do so. It has to be plugged in to AC power in order to update. Automatic updates has to be turned on. And now it tells me it can't update because it needs more room. My hard drive is too full. I didn't request an update, it just started trying all on its own. I'm not sure how I feel about this self-imposed update. 

In the past, when a device is upgraded, the new interface looks different. Things are not always where I left them. Other things stop working. It can be a frustrating experience. So I put off updating as long as I can. 

Eventually, I give in and update my technology. I believe what the maker has done is for the best. I trust the company. I enjoy the new bells and whistles once I learn how to use them. 

God is in the updating business too. His original creation is flawed, not by any fault of His own, He made it perfect. But it has become flawed because of sin. Our operating system is broken. It doesn't work as intended by the Creator. Spirit 1.0 has degraded over time into Flesh 2.0. Man's internal hard drive is full of worldly, carnal desires and acts of the flesh. The Bible says it this way:

"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." Galatians 5:17

God has made a patch. He has provided a means of upgrading us into the people He originally intended us to be. However, first we must trust the maker and believe that the update is for our best. That's the difficult part. But once we allow it to happen, our new life is like nothing we've ever known!

God does not merely patch a bug or rearrange a few settings. He makes us new from the inside out. When we plug our lives into His power, clear space through repentance, and trust the work of His Spirit, He installs a new heart, new desires, and a new way of living. The update may feel unfamiliar at first, and some old habits will no longer run the way they used to, but this renewal is exactly what we were designed for. What the Creator does is always for our good. And once we learn to live in step with the Spirit, we discover that life in Christ is not a downgrade or an inconvenience, but a beautiful restoration to who we were always meant to be 

The Gift of Christmas: Jesus

Charlie Brown cried in desperation, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about!?!"

Christmas Shopping in December

The Grinch, after stealing all of the Who's presents from Whoville, thought to himself, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps...means a little bit more."

Our church has been in a sermon series this month of December called "The _____ that stole Christmas." The series pointed to four prime culprits in the theft of Christmas: stress, grief, schedule, and commercialism. Each in their own way distracts us from the true meaning of Christmas. 

But I wonder if some people have grown up never hearing why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. If you didn't grow up in a Christian home, you may have never heard. You didn't hear it at school. You didn't hear it on your sports team. You don't hear it from the majority of shows and movies that claim to be about Christmas. How would you know?

Thank goodness for Christian parents and families. And for the church. In our American culture, it appears the only place a child is going to hear the Christmas story is either at home or in Sunday School. Ironically, in a society that spends billions of dollars on this holiday and months advertising it, the spotlight is on Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, presents, pine trees, Hallmark movies, parties, and happiness. 

Truth is that Christmas is about God sending His son, Jesus into the world as a baby about 2,021 year ago. His birth fulfilled prophecies in the Jewish scriptures: He was born in Bethlehem. He was born of a virgin. His name was Emmanuel, God with us, because he was divine. He was destined to live a perfect life, and die sacrificially for the sins of all mankind. His resurrection became the central historic event upon which all of Christianity is based. 

God's invitation is to believe in the story of Jesus, make Him Lord of your life, admit sinfulness and be sorry for them, being baptized to "wash" those sins away, and living a life according to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. 

So when the noise fades, the schedule slows, and the wrapping paper is thrown away, the real question remains: will we rediscover what Christmas is truly about? Christmas is not found in what we buy or how perfectly we celebrate, but in the gift God has already given—His Son, Jesus Christ. My hope is that this season would be more than tradition or nostalgia, but an opportunity to hear, believe, and respond to the greatest story ever told. Because when we understand who Jesus is and why He came, Christmas finally makes sense—and nothing can steal that away.

Got a Dongle for That? Connecting People Like Jesus Did

A co-worker called me recently looking for a rare computer cord with special ends. In the tech world, we call them "dongles." I didn't have exactly what he needed but I had two separate dongles that together created what he needed. 

I have drawers full of cords, connectors, dongles and the like at work. I have a full tote of cables, wires, CAT5, telephone cables, and HDMI cables at home in my basement. I love to pick them up at garage sales for a fraction of their cost new. At one point, I was getting a new dongle every week from Amazon. My wife said jokingly that I was a member of the "dongle of the week" club. 

Drawer of dongles

Why have so many cords and connectors? Well, in working with technology at church and enjoying it as a hobby at home, you never know when you're going to need one. Like my co-worker needing one recently. I'm glad I had what he needed. It allowed him to connect two pieces of electronic equipment. 

In our walk as Christians, we find ourselves "connecting" with other people. Some people are like a simple solitary speaker wire. They live simple, quiet, introverted lives. They keep to themselves and rarely socialize. Other people are like high-speed fiber optic conduits. You know when they walk into a room. They are a walking wikipedia of information, current events, and trivia. They're extroverted and enjoy meeting new people and name-dropping. 

Can you connect with both the introvert and the extrovert in your community? Can you relate to both the "Sons of Thunder" at the High School sporting event and the peaceful "Timothy" next door? Are you able to converse with John and Peter? It's not always easy. 

Christians who want to influence the world around them are wise to use "spiritual dongles" to interface with their neighbor. Ideas include shared hobbies such as hunting, fishing, or boating. Family can open the door to communication. Asking about their spouse, children, and grandchildren will go a long way in conversation. Questions about someone's background can lead to shared places, people, or events. Find out where they are from, when they moved to the area, and who they are related to. Additionally, current events can connect you to your neighbor. Talk about local, state-wide, and national current events to find shared interests and common viewpoints. 

Connecting with Others

Jesus involved himself in carpentry, fishing, and traveling on boats thus making "bridges" to those with similar livelihoods and hobbies. He asked the woman at the well about her husband, which opened quite a candid conversation. Conversation surrounded Jesus' hometown of Nazareth when Philip told his brother, Nathanael, about Jesus. Events and holidays such as the Festival of Tabernacles, the Sabbath, and Passover all play a part in Jesus' life connecting with other people. 

Just as those cords and dongles in our drawers help bridge connections between devices that otherwise couldn’t communicate, so too can we be the connectors God uses to bring people closer to Him—and to one another. Each of us has unique “ends” that fit certain people and situations. Some days, we might be the missing piece that helps someone make sense of life or faith. Other days, someone else may complete the connection for us. When we’re willing to meet people where they are—whether quiet or loud, near or far, similar or strange—God can use those everyday “connections” to share His love and truth in powerful ways. After all, even the most advanced system can’t function without a good connection.

The Wind Blows

 "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going."

My wife and I were recently on vacation in Estes Park, Colorado. We had a beautiful cabin located within the YMCA of the Rockies at the mouth of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Each morning I saw outside on the porch with an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains. Most mornings were still with practically not a sound except for an occasional Steller's Jay or an Albert's Squirrel moving around. However, one morning, the wind was blowing. Now, I've heard the wind blow in Northern Lower Michigan all my life. It just kind of sweeps over the trees like a blanket. And this was different. 

Cabin at YMCA of the Rockies

The wind I heard in the Rocky Mountains was unlike any wind I had ever heard. It was like an entity moving from one place to another. It flowed up the mountainside and down into the valley. It zipped from one treetop to another. It would suddenly appear, although I could not see it, accompanied by a loud rushing sound and then quickly fade away like a shadow. And there were more than just one "winds." There were winds swirling all around - moving like invisible imps over the rocky landscape.  

Suddenly a Bible verse jumped out to me in my mind...Jesus said in John 3:8, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going." What was Jesus teaching about here? What was He comparing the wind with?

To find the answer, we have to back up to the beginning of the chapter. Jesus was teaching the Pharisee Nicodemus about the second birth. "You must be born again," Jesus said. "Born again of the water and the Spirit." The allusion was to Christian baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Nicodemus must have been scratching his head because he asked, "How can a man be born again when they are old?" Jesus repeated his statement saying that one cannot see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again. More head scratching and Jesus relieved Nicodemus' confusion by quoting the above verse about the wind. Then He went on to say, "So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 

View of Rocky Mountains in Colorado 

Just like the winds in the Rocky Mountains swept randomly and invisibly throughout the environment - God's Holy Spirit moves and works in our lives supernaturally, out of sight, and inconspicuously. Just read through the Bible, and you will see how the Holy Spirit worked in people's lives. Sometimes the Holy Spirit worked "loudly" like when Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead in Acts 5; and sometimes "quietly" when the Spirit would not allow Paul and his companions to enter Bithynia in Acts 16:7. 

The Holy Spirit can work in your life too. Scripture teaches that God's Spirit is a gift we receive when we are immersed in water baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-6). Just like the wind, God's Holy Spirit is powerful, invisible, and you can't pin it down. Like the mountain winds that stir the still air, God’s Spirit moves through our lives—often unseen, but always transforming everything it touches.

12:26 - Sharing Scripture with a Stranger

My wife and I recently traveled downstate to visit our son and daughter-in-law at their new apartment in Novi. One of the things we did while there was take them out for brunch to a wonderful restaurant called First Watch. As our friendly waitress was bringing our drinks, I couldn't help but notice she had the date 12:26 tattooed on her throat. I was curious about it so when she moved on to another table, I Googled "12:26." The first answer that came up was a reference something called an "angel number" which was 1226. It explained that this number "suggesting a period of balance and harmony between spiritual and material pursuits." Huh?! I shared this info with the table and everyone thought, "Yeah, probably her angel number." But I wasn't convinced. My curiosity was piqued more. 

One reason I wasn't convinced was because our waitress' number had a colon. The colon separated the 12 from the 26. That indicates a date. December 26. I asked my family, "would you be embarrassed if I asked her what her tattoo means?" With their approval, I knew I had to ask.

Our waitress came back with our appetizer of 12 delightful pumpkin spice balls with cream cheese and chocolate dip. After setting them on the table, she asked if we needed anything. I quickly said, "No, but I have a question." "I'm sure you get this question all the time, but what does your tattoo mean?" She smiled, stood up straighter and said, "It's my birthday!" "Oh, nice," I said. Then she followed up with, "And it's also a Bible verse in Proverbs." "Oh, what does that verse say?" I asked. To which she responded that it's similar to the verse about iron sharpening iron and that it refers to a righteous person being a guide to their neighbor. Or on the flip-side a wicked person will lead them astray. She smiled again and then returned to her duties.

I was inspired and my heart was lifted when I heard her testimony. Right there in the middle of a busy restaurant, in a city unknown to me, she was sharing scripture with a stranger. How refreshing how powerful. 

"One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Proverbs 12:26

Try ChatGPT for Bible Study

Are you using AI in your Christian life yet? AI or Artificial Intelligence is all the rage right now. And every day, people are finding new usages for it. Companies have capitalized on AI for launching business start-ups. Marketing professionals are using AI to gain competitive advantages. Content creators on social media are using AI to write copy, generate images, produce videos, and so much more.

ChatGPT

Probably the first AI open to the public was ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a chatbot. Meaning it has an interface whereby you can talk to it and tell it what you want by way of "prompts." Basically you write a prompt using 3 key phrases. Tell the chatbot the ROLE it will play. "Act as a ________" You could say, CEO, Marketer, Copywriter, or whatever. Then tell it what to CREATE. This is the task you would like it to perform. "Create a ______" You could say, recipe, article, summary, or whatever. Finally, tell it how to output the results by saying, "Show as ________" You could say, list, pdf, spreadsheet, or whatever. 

Here are some example prompts we could use with ChatGPT.

• ACT as a teacher to CREATE an outline of the book of Luke and SHOW as a pdf. 
• ACT as a student to CREATE an essay on using AI for Bible Study. SHOW as plain text.
• ACT as a pastor to CREATE a sermon on Zacchaeus. SHOW as Presentation Slides.

Of course, you can just use plain language to talk to ChatGPT. Try some variations of the following:

• Explain the parable of the sower to me like a 3rd grader.
• How can I better love my uncle who won't forgive me?
• Why do scientists say the earth is billions of years old while Christians claim it is only thousands?

What to see the results of my ChatGPT queries?! Click here to read the responses. But better yet, try it yourself. There is a free account available. Visit http://www.chatgpt.com

Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-24

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heat will be also."

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if you eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

"No man can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Have you ever been the victim of theft? Have you ever had someone break into your house? Or your locker? Or maybe pick-pocketed you? It leaves you with a terrible feeling of being violated. You feel helpless and alone. Have you ever lost something because it was left out in the rain? Or because it got moldy? Or because animals tore it up? Again, it's an unpleasant feeling and makes you angry because the item is gone. 

Jesus talks about treasures or valuables in Matthew. He says, don't store up treasures here on earth where they can be taken away or rot. We store up earthly treasures when we spend all our money on what this world has to offer - pleasure, power, and prestige - while at the same time neglecting investing in what has eternal value.  It is also true that we will dump all our money and time into what we love most. If we desire to make heaven and eternity a priority in our lives, we will do well to invest our resources into it now. 

Jesus goes on to compare our eyes to a lamp. We don't use lamps too often today, so think of it as turning on your lights at night in a dark room. Flip the switch and the area is flooded with illumination. Everything becomes visible, clear, and colorful. The contrast is leaving the lights off and stumbling around in the darkness, stepping on things, and not finding our way. 

What we look at with our eyes greatly influences our thoughts, feelings, moods, and choices. A glance, a look, a peek, becomes so powerful when we realize the implications of those sights. They seem insignificant, but possess great influence. It is such a small action, but it leads our lives into a joyous, uplifting light or down into a great, depressing darkness. It can't be underestimated. 

Finally, Jesus sums his thoughts up with saying you have two choices: Serve God or serve money. They are mutually exclusive. They can't both exist at the same time. If you chose to serve God, your possessions, including your money is all Gods. You are a steward of them, working for Him. You live your life listening to God, reading His Bible, and doing what He leads you to do. 

Pondering the Future

Have you ever wondered how the world will end? Will it end with a BANG or a whimper? Will we go up in flames in a world war or will a deadly virus slowly take us out one by one? Or perhaps you won't be around when the world ends. Perhaps you will pass before it happens. Or Jesus may return before the world ends and takes us to be with Him. Don't know. I don't think anyone knows. 

The reason I'm thinking about the end times is because this past week several people in my circle have passed away. Their time on this earth was up and God called them home. While it is very sad to say "Good-bye" there is comfort in knowing their faith in Jesus was strong and their destination was sure. Their lives produced the fruit talked about in the Bible. Their lives were not lived in vain. Here is what we know about this world and passing on to the next.

This World is Not Our Home

Ocean Trash

1 Peter 2:11 in the Message Bible says, "Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it." God created a beautiful earth, but it is temporary and not our eternal dwelling place. 

We read in 1 John 2:17 about this world and its desires passing away. The verse is primarily talking about worldly desires such as lust, greed, and pride, but the overall point is that these fleshly desires will one day end along with the world we live in today. 

We are Tourists Here 

When was your last vacation? Where did you go? How long did you stay? Probably a week, maybe two. You didn't stay long (even though maybe you wanted to) because that wasn't your home. You were a tourist on vacation just visiting the area. 

This is the same concept the Bible mentions about our time on this earth. 1 Peter 1:17 says to, "live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear." Our Biblical ancestors admitted they were foreigners and strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:13) in living by faith. 

Our Eternal Home Awaits

Cemetary

So if this world is not our home, and we are just passing through like a wide-eyed "fudgies" in Traverse City, where are we going to "hang our hats" eternally? I'm glad you asked. There is debate whether we will live, in heaven, or on a new earth, or some combination of the two concepts. What we do know for sure is that wherever it is, God will be there. Spoiler alert! The last chapter of the book says, "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them." (Revelation 21:3)

Jesus went to prepare a place for us according to John 14:1-4. It's his Father's house. He says there are many rooms there. I'm not thinking small hotel rooms, but billionaire lake-side suites! 

In conclusion, we can take heart when a loved one passes away in the Lord. They have moved on to a better place. An eternal home prepared for them for 1000's of years where God lives with them. You can read more about this place here: 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Revelation 20:11-15

Resurrection and the Life

This weekend we celebrate the most important holiday in history of Christiandom. Easter. Or as some prefer to call it, Resurrection Sunday. This is the day we recognize that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, rose from the borrowed tomb, conquering death, thwarting Satan's plan, and ushering in a New Covenant and way to come to God. 

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." Even more directly, He said in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life: He that belieth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (KJV) This statement was at the same time a prophecy to his rising from the dead and a claim to be the means or the way of salvation. 

First, let's look at Jesus' words as prophecy. In the beginning, approximately 6000 years ago, according to to most Christians, Genesis records the story of Adam and Eve falling into sin. The serpent or Satan, deceived the couple into disobeying God's command. We read these prophetic words in Genesis 3:15, "he (the woman's offspring) will crush your head (Satan), and you will strike his heel." Christian scholars interpret the woman's offspring to be Jesus. The "heel strike" is commorated on Good Friday as Satan attemps to crucify and eradicate Jesus once and for all. The "head crushing" is celebrated Easter Sunday as we witness "death could not hold Him" (Acts 2:24) and he rises from the grave victoriously over sin and death. 

Several other Biblical passages point prophetically to Jesus' resurrection. David writes in Psalm 16:10, "because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay." Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 both predict in detail this historic event. Even Jesus himself spoke specifically about his death and resurrection when He said, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." 

Second, let's look at Jesus' claim to be "the life." Jesus is quoted as saying again and again in the Gospels that belief in Him is necessity to have eternal life. Belief in his claims to deity, kingship, and Messiahship. After His resurrection, we read in the books of Acts that the Apostles taught not only believing in Jesus, but also repentance of sins and baptism by immersion for forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Peter proclaims on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized every one of you for the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit." Our baptism is now vitally significant in that we become one with Jesus through a symbolic death and resurrection akin to His own. Romans 6:4 summarizes it like this, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life," 

Easter Sunday represents Jesus' victory of death, sin, and Satan. None of these have any power over Him any longer. This victory is won once and for all time! That is reason to celebrate! If you have made Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life, your future is certain and secure. If you haven't, why wait?  Maybe your own decision about Jesus will happen this week?!

From Ink to iPhone: How Bible Study Evolved from Margins to Screens

Growing up, I remember my Youth Minister encouraging me to take notes on the sermon when I went to church. I would take my NIV Bible on Sunday mornings and underline significant passages in it and jot down points on my notepad with a pen. It was quite a paradigm shift to write in my Bible, but I was assured it was okay. 

Fast forward a few decades, and today I use a Bible app on my Apple iPhone X (Bible app is my favorite). I can underline or highlight verses in a variety of colors. I can share verses on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. I can make a Bible image using the verse. I can even compare the version I'm using with a dozen others with the touch of my finger! 

I can take notes in that same application. Or I can use the Events and pull up my home church's sermon notes. At the end of the service, I can save my notes, print them, or share them with others. My, how technology has changed how we read the Bible!

It's an amazing technological world we live in today. I don't know that the older way of doing things was any better or worse than the way we do things today. They are just different. Maybe more efficient, some would say. Each method came with its own pros and cons. 

However you access your Bible today, just remember, what is most important is that you read it. It is not simply words on paper or a screen, but it is actually "alive and active." Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." 

Also, the Words of Jesus, and we find them written in the Bible, are eternal. They are everlasting. Forever true. Jesus says in Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." We can trust our future to the Word of God. It is solid, firm, and unchanging. 

AI and the Christian Walk

AI surges into modern life

Artificial Intelligence or AI, as it has become better known, has quietly and quickly permeated our daily lives. You find AI embedded into your daily habits, everywhere you turn. It's in our phones. It's in our cars. It's across our homes. 

ChatGPT launched AI to the masses in November 2022. Since then a myriad of companies have embraced the technology with their own AI entries. Microsoft has Co-Pilot. Facebook has Meta AI. Google has Gemini. It goes on and on. It is quickly becoming omnipresent. Most software applications have incorporated AI in one way or another. Canva and Photoshop use AI to assist users in creating and editing graphics. 

Ironically, AI is still in its infancy and is being developed with each iteration becoming smarter than the former. Each new version is called a "model." And newer models are being made all the time. 

Image created by AI (of course)

Should Christians use AI?

Some Christians have shunned the use of AI due to ignorance or suspicions of nefarious usages. It is true that AI can be used for both good and bad, but it is similar to any new technology in that it depends on whose "hands" it is in. 

The Bible says in Titus 1:15, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure..." So AI is like money, or a hammer, or a cell phone. Those items can be used for good, pure purposes or they could be used in greedy, dangerous, deceptive ways. It all depends on the handler. 

The Christian should not fear AI as some anti-Christ or dangerous technology. But they should instead see AI as yet another tool in the Information Age that can help us become better human beings as we strive to follow Christ. 

What can AI do for a Christ-follower?

Here are some ways to use AI in your Christian life. 

Use this digital chatbot to answer your Bible questions https://digitalbible.ca/ai-chatbot

Use https://colorbliss.com/ to make Biblical Coloring Sheets

Use https://bible.ai/ to study the Bible with AI. 

Use https://chatgpt.com/ to talk with a person from the Bible. Prompt "Speak to me like Moses"

Use Open.Bible Bible Study Generator https://www.openbible.info/labs/ai-bible-study/ to further your Bible knowledge.

A Final Word

It should be stated that while AI is in your hands, it is an amoral tool. However, people are beginning to use AI in order to dupe and deceive others with fake videos, phone calls, and emails. We must be diligent and wise to not be tricked by these technological fakes. 

Use AI to help your Christian walk, to study the Bible, and grow in your faith. At the same time, be aware that AI can impersonate those that we trust and believe in. Using AI may be one of the best ways to differentiate the two. 

Point me to Jesus

Our KCC E-News articles over the years have covered a myriad of topics from Godly worship to Christian living to raising children. But when all is said and done, our goal is to point every reader to Jesus, the son of God. Jesus the Christ. Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, our LORD and Savior. Jesus, the I AM. He is 100% man and 100% God at the same time. The Son of God and the Son of Man. 

Jesus, born of a virgin, trained as a Jewish carpenter, taught as a Rabbi, misunderstood by the religious leaders, sentenced to die, raised from the dead, gone up into heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father, and ready to return. Jesus, the holy one of God. 

The entire Bible is about Jesus. Jesus is woven all through the book. He can be found from Genesis to Revelation. Here are some examples from just the first 5 books, the Pentateuch:

• Genesis - The seed of the woman
• Exodus - The Passover lamb
• Leviticus - The High Priest
• Numbers - The Cloud and the Fire
• Deuteronomy - A Prophet like Moses

Jesus is typified and present in so many stories in the Bible. Here are just a few to think about:

• Noah's ark - Just as the ark provided the means of rescue for Noah and his family, Jesus is the means of salvation for the believer today. (1 Peter 3:21)
• Joseph is a Christ-figure as he suffers unjustly, yet is raised up to a position of great honor and ultimately saves his own people.  (Genesis 39-46)
• Moses was born in poverty and raised up to deliver his people from slavery. Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin. 
• Moses strikes the rock and water comes out - Jesus is living water. (John 4:14)
• Manna in the desert - Jesus is the bread of life. (John 6:35)
• The Bronze Serpent - Moses' raises the bronze serpent on a pole so that all who look at it will be saved from snake bites. Jesus would be lifted up so that all who look to him will be saved. (

The book, "Jesus on Every Page" by David Murray is a great read. The Bible is all about Jesus because Jesus is all that matters. Another book to read is "Finding Jesus in the Old Testament" by David Limbaugh. Jesus begins the Bible and Jesus finishes it. He is all through it. These books give you an in-depth study of His omnipresence. 

The song "Give me Jesus" has existed for nearly a century. You can find Fernando Ortega, Vince Gill, and Jeremy Camp versions. They all sing these very simple lyrics:

"In the morning when I rise...when I am alone...when I come to die...

Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus

You can have all this world,

Just give me Jesus (Jesus)"

Jesus is all we need. He is sufficient. He is enough. No matter what life throws our way, if we have Jesus, we have it all. Believe in Him. Trust Him. Confess Him as your Lord. Repent of your sins. Be baptized to wash them away. Live eternally with Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:1-4).

I don't know

I hate not knowing the answer to a question. I don't like having to say, "I don't know." I feel like it's some sort of failure. A blemish in my character. I should know, but I don't. It may also be a prideful thing. The professor, the teacher would know the answer. The student...probably not. 

Sometimes I don't know because I have forgotten. Other times I don't know because I never knew. Regardless of why I have to say "I don't know" I just dislike doing it. It humbles a person when they need to respond, "I don't know." 

Is there any scripture about this topic? God says to Isaiah in chapter 40, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth." Maybe, we don't know. Maybe we haven't heard. But God drops the mic! God is eternal. God is creator! That's all you need to know. 

The worst case in history of not knowing answers has to be given to Job. After Job and his three friends attempted to figure out why Job was suffering, God pummeled him with questions for three straight chapters in the book of Job. Questions including:

• "How did I lay the foundation for the earth?"
• "What is the way to the abode of light?"
• "And where does darkness reside?"
• "When do mountain goats and deer give birth?"
• "Who set wild donkeys free?"

In the book of Acts, the 12 Apostles were identified as "ordinary, uneducated men." In other words, they didn't know the answer to every question people would ask them. They didn't have all the answers, but as John wrote in 1 John 1:1, "...we have heard...we have seen with our eyes...and our hands have touched...(we) testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life...which has appeared to us." They walked and talked and learned from Jesus Christ. Even then they didn't know all the answers to life. 

Not knowing doesn't make us ignorant, it just makes us human. Only God is all-knowing or omniscient. We may one day know the answers to most if not all questions, but that time won't be in this lifetime. For now, God asks us to trust Him. An element of faith is believing and trusting, knowing that He is smarter, stronger, and wiser than we are. 

Sign Posts Pointing to God

God's creation is fascinating! During our SCUBA VBS, the kids learned about different undersea animals. Did you know that the octopus has a tiny brain at the end of each of its 8 tentacles? That allows each one of its arms to move faster and independently. An octopus also has 3 hearts; 2 pump blood to the gills, and one to the rest of the body. 

It was on the 5th day of creation that God said, "Let the water team with living creatures..." An octopus is just one type of species among 242,000 living in the oceans according to the 2022 census by the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). 

The other day my son was watching a YouTube video about earwigs. These small insects have large pinchers they use to catch their prey. But guess where God chose to place their pinchers? On their tail! They also have complex wings that unfold to 10 times their size and allow them to fly! And despite popular belief, earwigs DO NOT
climb into people's ears while they are sleeping. That's a myth and pure superstition. 

It was on the 6th day of creation that God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals..." 

The uniqueness of the animal kingdom and the creativity of our God is amazing. Some would say these animals evolved slowly over time or morphed from one to another. Those theories just don't hold water. These animals have unique features that allow them to exist, survive, and thrive. Each and every species, genus, and family are different with various traits and bodies. Every one of those points to a creator - a brilliant mind who not only thought up each creature but also how each creature would interact with all other creatures including man. 

So for me, each time I learn about the unique abilities or traits of an animal, I immediately attribute them to a creator, God. They are like sign posts pointing directly to Him and his omnipotence. From the animal kingdom, my mind then goes to mankind, the solar system, and the earth itself. Indeed, the heavens (and all creation) declare the glory of God. 

Seasons of Life

Life seems to ebb and flow like waves on the ocean. Change is a constant in our world. Today you may be young and single living alone and going to school. Tomorrow you are middle-aged, married, and working 40 hours a week. Today you may be standing up at your best friend's wedding. Tomorrow you are mourning with family as you say "Goodbye" to a loved one. 

Life can drag on for years or come at us in a second. The Dire Straits "Walk of Life" is unpredictable yet there is no escaping it. We can look back to the "Summer of '69," but ultimately we must "Turn the Page" and move forward. 

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens"

Like chapters in a John Grisham book or like quarters in a basketball game, we all live in a particular season of life. One season will meld into another and then another. A time for everything and a season for every activity. Solomon writes about a time to plant, heal, laugh, dance, embrace, and love. He also says there are times to tear down, weep, mourn, give up, tear, and hate. 

It is human nature to think the "grass is greener" on the other side of the fence, but your "grass" will be just as "green" if you just "plant" yourself in it today. The past is gone and will soon be forgotten. Additionally, you can not change the past, so let it rest. Have hope for the future, but don't let your mind linger on it for too long. The future will always be there, but the present is fleeting and seeks our undivided attention now.

Solomon continues:

"He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time."

Whatever season you are in right now, embrace it. Enjoy it. God made it beautiful. The good seasons and the bad ones. Of course, you will immediately say, "How can pain, sickness, or even death be beautiful?" That's a fair question. It comes down to recognizing that seasons are connected. They don't come usually like the slamming of a door, but rather like a sunrise. Slow and steady unfolding before us.

In the movie Shadowlands, a 1993 British biographical drama film about the relationship between academic C. S. Lewis and Jewish American poet Joy Davidman, there is a poignant line that goes something like this: "The pain you feel now is part of the joy then." In other words, the future joy is only as joyous in relation to the depth of the pain felt today. Or think of it this way. Without the rain, there isn't a rainbow. And again, the oyster has to have an irritating grain of sand to create a pearl. The "beautiful" bad times usher in the good times. 

Finally, Solomon says:

"...there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each one of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil-this is the gift of God."

Live today in your season to the fullest. Enjoy it now because it will not last. You will soon be in another season complete with all its joys and pains.  Don't long to return or advance. Make the best of your current season and God will gift you with satisfaction and contentment. 

Lessons from Eve

The first mother, Eve, had 2 sons,  Cain and Abel. Cain worked the soil; Abel kept flocks. When taking their offerings to God, Cain was jealous of his brother, because Abel's offering was accepted by God, whereas his offering was not. Cain killed Abel over this jealousy. 

Does this make Eve a bad mother? Was it Eve's fault that Cain acted out so drastically? Hardly. But it was in fact, the sinful nature of mankind rearing its ugly head resulting in death. Cain was Eve's firstborn child. His name means "brought forth" or "acquired." Eve exclaimed, "With the help of God I have brought forth a man." Wow! What a proclamation! And credit was given to God. I'm sure she loved him as much as any mother could. 

Eve's heart had to break when she lost her second son, Abel. God did not abandon the first family but blessed them with a third son, Seth. Seth means "substitute." He would take the place of Abel. Scripture indicates that Adam had many other sons and daughters until he passed away at age 930. 

This brings up so many questions. How many sons and daughters did Adam have? Did he have all of them with Eve, his wife? Did Eve pass away earlier than Adam? Then he may have had a second wife. A third wife? Did they reach an age when they could no longer bear children? Today, women are at more risk having children after the age of 40. What age would Eve have been taking more risk? 500? 800? 

Why don't we read more about Eve in the Bible? You know she homeschooled! There were no schools to send her kids to. What curriculum did she use? She obviously wrote her own. On stone, right?! What would Eve have taught her children? 

History - She walked with God. Knew him intimately. Her story of creation would have been first-hand.

Bible - No. No Bible yet. But faith? Yes, Eve would teach her children about God. She would teach about paradise, about obedience, and about the consequences of disobedience. She would have first hand experience with the wages of sin. The loss, the heartache, and devastation of not obeying God. Imagine Eve teaching on prayer! Talking to God. Listening to God. Worship. Offering sacrifices to God. 

Arithmetic - Somehow they had to keep track of days, months, and years. She would have taught how to count brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. 

Reading & Writing - Possibly. Stick writing in the dirt. Probably not letters, but maybe symbols or pictures.

Humanities - Yes. I'm sure Eve taught her children love, empathy, forgiveness, giving, serving, and so much more.  

If you are a mom, here is what I want to say from the Life of Eve

Don't blame yourself for your children's faults - Your children are going to make mistakes. The Bible says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. Continue loving them. Keep supporting them. Comfort them. Set the example for them. And be there for them. 

Recognize God's help in your own life - "With the help of God I brought forth a man" is what Eve said when she had her firstborn. "With the help of God" Eve gave credit to God for her help. We don't do anything on our own. God gave us breath. God gave us life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whatever you do - whether you eat or drink or not - do it all for the glory of God." 

Teach your children - Eve taught her children about God, life, forgiveness, and so much more. You don't have to homeschool to teach your children. Teach your children your faith. Teach them how to love by loving them. More will be "caught" than "taught" by your children. Remember Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." 

It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!

Easter Sunday will be here in a few short days. Christians all over the world will celebrate our Savior's victory over sin and death. The entire Christian faith is centered on Jesus' raising from the dead. However, we rarely think of Easter without first being reminded of Good Friday. Of course there is nothing "good" about it since that's the day we remember Jesus nailed to the Jewish cross and crucified. There seems to be a theme that emerges from these two events - a sad, devestating event followed by victory and celebration. A terrible loss or tragedy and then a joyful outcome.  

Cross with "I am" sayings

Dr. Tony Campolo shares a great message called "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming!" It's a bit dated, but has always stayed with me. This is our message each and every day we live on this earth. 

We're living on "Friday" now. Let me explain.

• It's a Friday when a loved one passes all too soon.
• It's a Friday when we lost our job.
• It's a Friday when we are told we aren't the one.
• It's a Friday when the doctor's report is that the cancer has spread.
• It's a Friday when the bill is due, but our checking account is overdrawn.
• It's a Friday when our children fail to share our beliefs. 

Jesus promised that in this world you will have trouble. He had trouble. Look at what Jesus experienced when on earth. His friends forsook him. He was mistreated. He was rejected. He lost loved ones. And ultimately he experienced an ugly, painful death. 

However, that is not the end of the story. It wasn't the end for Jesus and it's not the end for us! Because Sunday was coming! When Sunday comes, what happens?

• It's Sunday when a loved one accepts Christ as Lord and Savior and is born again.
• It's Sunday when we realize our value rests in God seeing us as sons and daughters.
• It's Sunday when we know we have been chosen by Almighty God.
• It's Sunday when we embrace the eternal life promised to us.
• It's Sunday when we realize our inheritance is immeasurable riches.
• It's Sunday when Jesus conquered death, the grave, and Satan once and for all time!

So as Paul writes to the Corinthian people in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "our light and momentary troubles" do weigh us down, they are nothing in comparison to the "eternal glory that far outweighs them all." The key is in verse 18. We must "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Take heart, because even though today might be "Friday," Sunday's coming!!