Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part G
It’s funny, it’s ludicrous, but historians have found that nearly every civilization in human history believed in some kind of God or higher power. Even in ancient ruins, there are temples, altars, and writings about gods. This shows us something deep. Humans are wired to worship. Social scientists study human societies, behavior, and cultural patterns. The sociologist Emil Durkheim argued that religion was created by human beings as a way to explain life and strengthen…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part F
Even among atheists and agnostics who deny or question God’s existence, there often remains a deep human longing for truth, purpose, and meaning. When exploring the beliefs of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, atheists, and agnostics alongside Christianity, the goal is not to criticize, but to understand. By examining these perspectives, we can better see how people throughout this world search for God, God’s or ultimate reality through their own beliefs and traditions. But at the same…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part E
Christians believe salvation is not achieved through many lifetimes or self-effort, but is a gift, a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ who offers eternal life with God, not absorption into a universal spirit. Atheists, atheists believe there is no God or divine being holding that the universe and life can be explained purely through natural causes, reason, and science without the need for a creator. Many atheists see religious belief as…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part D
The Jewish faith centers around living in obedience to God’s commandments, studying the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and maintaining a holy relationship with God through worship, ethical living, and tradition. Jews are still awaiting the coming of the Messiah, a future human leader who will restore Israel and bring peace to the world. In contrast, Christians also believe in the God of Israel, but hold that Jesus Christ is the promised…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part C
Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, highly honored, but not divine, and that Muhammad is the final and greatest prophet. They believe the Quran is Allah’s ultimate and perfect revelation, correcting earlier scriptures that they believe were altered over time. In contrast, Christians believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Christians hold that Jesus is not merely a prophet, but God…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part B
He knows our story. Like a loving father walking with his child. As his children, we are not only cared for, but also guided for, and when necessary, lovingly disciplined, even when we fall short, he does not turn away. Instead, in the greatest act of love the world has ever known, in my opinion, he gave his son Jesus Christ to save us. Calling God Father, he reveals his heart, a heart that protects…
Who Is God: Chapter 1, Part A
Hello everyone, and welcome to Kickoff Ministry. Across cultures and throughout history, many people, I’m sure, have wrestled with the question, who is God? Now, that’s not only a religious question, but one that emerges from humanity’s search for meaning, identity, and purpose. People approach this question in different ways. Some come as seekers searching for meaning and direction in life. Others come as skeptics looking for evidence, logic, and intellectual clarity. Some come as…
Marijuana: A Memoir, Part 5
Author’s Note: Some names and identifying details in this story have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. In some cases, symbolic or fictitious names are used to reflect the role a person came to represent in my life. One thing I learned later in life was the importance of taking accountability for my own actions. I think, as people, we often struggle to fully accept responsibility for the choices we make.…
Marijuana: A Memoir, Part 4
Author’s Note: Some names and identifying details in this story have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. In some cases, symbolic names are used to reflect the role a person came to represent in my life. Saint Didacus required us to wear uniforms and keep our shirts tucked in while at school. We wore burgundy polo shirts with gray shorts or pants. Once a week—if I remember correctly, every Friday—we also…
Marijuana: A Memoir, Part 3
One thing I never got over was the day I stood alone at my grandfather’s bedside, staring at him as he slept. It was just the two of us. The room was cold, and my best friend was dying, although at the time I had little understanding of what was actually happening. I simply wanted to be near my grandfather. He had always been a father figure in my life. His biological children had flown…