Category: theology

Posted in theology

Chip & Joanna Gaines: Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Family on Magnolia Network

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Chip and Joanna Gaines are executive producers of “Back to the Frontier,” a Magnolia Network show which debuted July 10 featuring families living without modern amenities. Controversy arose over including a homosexual couple with surrogacy-born twins, prompting criticism from those who see it as an affront to the traditional values the Gaines’ claim to uphold, and a misleading portrayal of family.

Continue reading “Chip & Joanna Gaines: Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Family on Magnolia Network” →
Posted in theology

Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement over John Mark

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

The Bible offers a candid portrayal of human nature, showcasing both strengths and flaws. Acts 15 details a significant disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, leading to their separation. This illustrates human conflict and the importance of reconciliation. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to learn from these examples while emulating Christ’s virtues.

Continue reading “Paul and Barnabas’ disagreement over John Mark” →
Posted in theology

The Greatness of the Soul by John Bunyan: A Review

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

1685, John Bunyan (1628 – 1688), the English writer and preacher who wrote ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. Original Artwork: Drawn by Kenneth Maclean from a rare print by Francis Hall, after the painting by T Sadler. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

SYNOPSIS
I review John Bunyan’s “The Greatness of the Soul,” a challenging yet rewarding Puritan work. I mention the emotional and intellectual demands of reading unedited texts from the 17th century, advocating for their spiritual richness. I encourage readers to incorporate such literature into their routine for personal growth.

Continue reading “The Greatness of the Soul by John Bunyan: A Review” →
Posted in theology

Strengthening Your Spiritual Armor: A Pep Talk

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

I discuss the necessity of spiritual discernment, wisdom, and readiness in today’s challenging times. Believers should be rooted in scripture, cherish their relationship with Jesus, and remain vigilant. Encouragement, kindness, and sharing faith are crucial as we navigate difficulties, anticipating Christ’s return and the opportunities to reflect His love amidst despair of the lost.

Continue reading “Strengthening Your Spiritual Armor: A Pep Talk” →
Posted in theology

Heroic Rescue on Disney Cruise: A Father’s Daring Act

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

‘My little girl fell overboard!” This is not something any parent wants to experience. A family aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship was on Deck 4, playing shuffleboard. It was a sunny, calm morning on June 29 as the ship headed back from The Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale. The mom saw her 5-year-old girl clamber on to the 5’ porthole ledge, then horrifyingly, fall into the ocean. Yelling to the dad, without a second’s hesitation, dad jumped into the ocean after her.

Continue reading “Heroic Rescue on Disney Cruise: A Father’s Daring Act” →
Posted in theology

Have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday!

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Louis Brandeis famously stated, “Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.” This quote, often cited in discussions about freedom and self-governance, emphasizes that liberty is both a means and an end, and that courage is essential to both achieving and maintaining it, according to The National Constitution Center.

I am grateful to have lived in the most free country in the world to date. Our freedom to assemble, speak, and worship are liberties we enjoy.

But Brandeis was wrong. The secret to happiness is not freedom in political power, but freedom from sin. It’s an internal freedom, not an external one.

Granted, being jailed is an unhappy event. Paul was jailed though, and he sang, wrote about joy, and praised the Lord. Joseph was in jail and prospered.

Let us celebrate the Founders’ principles today on Independence Day but also celebrate our freedom in Christ. Thank the Founders, but praise the Lord.

Posted in encouragement, theology

Goodness: A Biblical Perspective

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

Love: A Biblical perspective, here

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).

SYNOPSIS

Theological literacy for believers is important, particularly understanding key biblical concepts and even common words we think we understand. Common terms, like goodness, often differ in biblical context from cultural interpretations. Central to this is the Fruit of the Spirit, with love as a primary characteristic manifesting through believers, reflecting God’s nature and sacrificial commitment. Let’s look at Goodness today.

Continue reading “Goodness: A Biblical Perspective” →
Posted in theology

Jesus Sees Us: A Personal Relationship

Posted on by elizabethprata

By Elizabeth Prata

SYNOPSIS

In this essay, I discuss the fact of God’s transcendence and relational nature of Jesus. While He possesses incommunicable attributes making Him totally ‘other’, Jesus also intimately connects with individuals, as shown in Mark 6:48. He sees and cares for His sheep, offering comfort and encouragement, reminding believers of His personal presence and compassion for each person.

Continue reading “Jesus Sees Us: A Personal Relationship” →