PaulStiver.com

The Bible in its natural habitat (?) - joke The Bible is an old book. I get that. But what is the Bible? What's the point? Is the Bible just another book written by men, telling us in some way their views of God and life? Is the Bible an archaic threat to progress and modern society? We've all probably interacted with the Bible in some way. For most, it may have been the big, dusty book on the bookshelf. Perhaps we busted it out on special occasions. We heard from it in church services, and we know some of the key stories. We remember some of the teachings of Jesus.  Here is some research from Barna on our interaction with the Bible (6 year study): If you're like me, often you've interpreted the Bible through its believers -- you actually learn about the book from the way Christians cite it and live it out. Or if you're like I was, when I was a skeptic, you've interpreted the Bible based on what others have cited or told you about it,...

What makes someone "praiseworthy?" What does it mean to be worthy of praise? The dictionary defines it this way: A person who is praiseworthy is deserving of approval and admiration. Their character or actions are worthy admiration, esteem, and commendation. The Bible teaches that God is our Creator, and the only One truly worthy of all of our praise, approval, and admiration. As our Creator, and because of all His goodness, God deserves all of our admiration, esteem, and commendation. Why do we struggle to see it the same way? Romans 1 teaches us about the great exchange. The Great Exchange that all humans make is that we turn and worship created things, rather than the Creator God who has brought all things into existence. It says, Romans 1:18–25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has s...

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? When have you felt the most foolish? I've done some pretty dumb stuff in my life. I once backed my minivan right into a bus. That's foolish. We don't want to look foolish. We naturally bristle at anything that might make us look like an idiot, and we certainly don't want people to call attention to it! However, the way that Apostle Paul redefines foolishness at the outset of his first letter to the Corinthians makes me want to say: Mark me with the fools! 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” What is this ‘word of the cross’ that Paul references? The word of the cross is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is news about an historic event, the crucifixion of an innocent ...