Was the Bible really meant to be taken literally? What if I could show you multiple scriptures from the Bible itself stating that it’s not? In my last blog post, we discussed how Paul himself boldly proclaimed the Old Testament story of Abraham and his progeny was nothing more than an allegory (found here). In this post I will present more evidence that most, if not all, of the Bible stories are meant to be read in a non-literal manner. We will also discuss how the Bible becomes a much more beneficial and powerful tool (especially for salvation) when we understand that it is not literal. [Read more…] about The Beauty of Scriptural Allegory
Putting Scripture Into Proper Perspective: Part Two
I remember the day like it was yesterday. Sweaty palms. Racing heart. The stage music was playing softly. Ministers were standing around the steps below the pulpit waiting for me and others to come forward. The message had been preached with fire and conviction. The salvation call was out. Jesus had spoken—at least through the pastor—and, being convinced, I was coming forward to set my life straight and give it to Jesus. Why? Because the preacher had convinced me that the Jesus of the Bible wanted this. What exactly this was I wasn’t really sure. But I assured myself that I could figure it all out later. The important thing was that I was getting “saved,” right? I mean, after all, wasn’t getting “saved” by believing the literal gospel story the right thing to do? [Read more…] about Putting Scripture Into Proper Perspective: Part Two
Putting Scripture Into Proper Perspective: Part One
For too long the Bible has been used wrongly. You probably know the drill. A religious leader stands in front of a congregation and preaches from verses in the Bible. The overall hope is that the congregation will believe the message, repent, and then struggle to live the way Jesus or God desires. Sometimes the verses in question are used to get someone “saved” once they accept the message. But this sort of Biblical perspective is completely counter-productive to what the scriptures were meant to do. In fact, the methods discussed above have wrestled the true power of the scriptures right out of the hands of the people. When used in this manner, the Bible, with all its awesome revelations and deep spiritual insights, has become a tool to promote religion. The only problem is that religion usually creates confused, mindless, or arrogant congregation members. [Read more…] about Putting Scripture Into Proper Perspective: Part One
The Nature of God
If you truly want to get a glimpse into the nature of God, you need look no further than Exodus 3:14. Once you understand what this verse implies, it should become one of the most profound statements in the entire Bible to you, perhaps even changing the way you view life. [Read more…] about The Nature of God
Noah, the Ark, and Higher Consciousness
This week I want to address a story in the Bible that we all learned as children. It is the story of Noah and the ark. For those of us who haven’t studied much ancient history, this story appears—under different names with slightly different variations—in the history of cultures across multiple continents. So what’s the real meaning of this universal story? [Read more…] about Noah, the Ark, and Higher Consciousness
Renewing Your Mind: What is the Real Transformation?
What does it truly mean to be a follower of Christ? If you have read some of my other blog posts, then you already know that the quelling of our own egos is part of the package. But did you know that when we crucify the ego, something incredible happens?!? I want to focus on a scripture this week which will help us to realize the importance of this great spiritual transformation. I also want to compare it to traditional Christian teaching and show you how powerful it can be to disregard religion and involve yourself with true spiritual transformation. [Read more…] about Renewing Your Mind: What is the Real Transformation?
Reincarnation and the Bible: A Forgotten Doctrine
This week I would like to address the concept of reincarnation and its relevance to the Bible. Next we’ll look at scriptures that some use to support reincarnation, as well as scriptures that opponents use to refute it. Finally, I’ll explain what my personal beliefs are on this fascinating subject. [Read more…] about Reincarnation and the Bible: A Forgotten Doctrine
Adam and Eve: The Story of Human Consciousness
For well over a thousand years, mainstream Christianity has taught that the creation of Adam and Eve and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden is literal history. While I will say it is a fantastic picture of how man came to this earth, I will also say that this story was never meant to be literal. In fact, to teach it in this way greatly diminishes the spiritual truth the author originally intended. But when this story is understood correctly, it unlocks the key to helping us live a full, abundant life, which is the way life was intended to be! [Read more…] about Adam and Eve: The Story of Human Consciousness
David and Goliath: The Invisible Battle Within
Just about everyone knows the story of David and Goliath. I will never forget the first time I heard it. I was probably eight or nine years old. Afterwards, I peered up at the ceiling at the bottom of the stairwell and tried to imagine myself confronting such a gargantuan. It would have been scary to say the least. But many years later I heard a sermon that got me wondering why Goliath got so much attention. The preacher had personally watched a lion drag a fully grown cow over a high fence like it was child’s play. He then talked about how awesome it was for David to have killed such a beast as a boy protecting his father’s sheep. And then it struck me: David killing the lion is much more impressive than David killing Goliath! So I couldn’t help but wonder, what’s so important about David killing Goliath?
I now know that the story of David and Goliath has nothing to do with a young boy killing a nine-foot giant, at least not literally. [Read more…] about David and Goliath: The Invisible Battle Within
How Wrestling God Awakened Jacob’s Pineal Gland
I don’t think God has ever been in a WWF ring, but there is a recorded event in the Bible which could be the ancient equivalent, at least if it were interpreted literally. Did Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, really wrestle God like the scripture seems to say he did? If so, it would be one of the stranger stories of the Bible. But we can rest assured the story isn’t about a man wrestling the Almighty. So what’s the story really about, and how can it help us in our spiritual journey?
As it turns out, this story is quite profound! [Read more…] about How Wrestling God Awakened Jacob’s Pineal Gland
The Spirit of the Tithe: It Was Never About Money
For many religious institutions, tithing is a big issue today. I can understand why. Many of these religious institutions are quite wealthy, and to maintain that wealth, tithing is necessary. But what is the real spirit of the scripture when it comes to the issue of tithing? Does the scripture really teach that God demands a tenth of our income? The answer may surprise you. [Read more…] about The Spirit of the Tithe: It Was Never About Money
How to Really Enter the Promised Land
Have you ever wondered why Moses couldn’t enter the Promised Land? The Bible states that he was the meekest man on earth and faithful in ALL God’s house. But Moses makes one mistake by striking the rock instead of speaking to it and God takes away the prize of the Promised Land. Moses is instead condemned to die in the desert with good health!
Hmm…seems a little extreme, doesn’t it? Isn’t God a little more compassionate than that? Couldn’t God forgive him and let him in?
On the surface, this Biblical story seems too harsh. If we stopped at the literal rendering, it is! [Read more…] about How to Really Enter the Promised Land
The Relevance of Meditation to Biblical Salvation
I had a good friend ask a great question the other day. He wanted to know if it was accurate to use Biblical scripture to validate meditation as substantial to one’s spiritual development. More specifically, he wondered if it were truly valid to portray meditation as something central to the Biblical salvation process. I understand my friend’s concern. The New Testament specifically points to Jesus for salvation. I completely agree. But what does THAT mean? [Read more…] about The Relevance of Meditation to Biblical Salvation