“Living your best life” is a popular phrase, but what does it truly mean? Many define it as maximizing happiness, comfort, and success. Yet Scripture challenges that assumption. The Bible repeatedly shows that blessing and ease are not the same. James writes, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,” and Paul reminds us that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus…
Story Category: Creation
Three Choices: Good, Evil, & Life – Bill Hutchison leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
1 week ago in Human Beings
Stephen Covey observed that what distinguishes humans is our ability to step outside our emotions, thoughts, and instincts to evaluate and choose our response. This self-awareness allows us to act intentionally rather than reactively. Yet, despite this ability, many people allow feelings, conditioning, and impulse to define their actions, bypassing thoughtful reflection. Scripture highlights that a critical moment exists between experience and response – a space…
Article 4 – Acts 15: The Council That Redefined the People of God truthsum.org
TS Writer
4 weeks ago in Spirit in Man
Acts 15 records a decisive moment in the early Church—not because doctrine changed, but because God’s actions forced clarity. The Jerusalem Council was not debating abstract theories of salvation. The question was far more concrete: Must Gentiles take on Jewish covenant identity in order to belong to the Spirit-filled people of God? Within first-century Judaism, belonging followed clear categories. Jews were born into the covenant….
The Ideal Man – Donald Winchester vision.org
Ryan Welsh
7 months ago in Human Beings
Many today are legitimately anxious about the future. Young men in particular see their chances for success, power and influence slipping away.
The Female Body, Cultural Commodification, and Biblical Design truthsum.org
TS Writer
1 year ago in Human Beings
The human story is filled with attempts to use, market, regulate, or exploit the female body—sometimes openly through consumption, sometimes subtly through control, but often with little regard for a woman’s true flourishing. Scripture never treats the body as “just flesh.” It ties the body to meaning: creation, vulnerability, beauty, and generational continuity. Because of this, women have been both deeply honored and deeply exploited…
In Democracy We Trust? – Wallace G. Smith tomorrowsworld.org
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Human Beings
2024, labeled by some as the “Year of Democracy,” will see more voters globally than ever before. As nearly 64 countries hold elections, democracy’s future is being fiercely debated. Yet, despite its growth, we face significant concerns about its stability. As political leaders like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump warn of democracy’s decline, a crucial question remains: Is democracy worth saving? Historically, democracies have struggled….
Ideological Subversion – Marshall Stiver leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
1 year ago in Human Beings
In a 38-year-old interview, former KGB spy Yuri Bezmenov warned that the U.S. could be undermined through a process of ideological subversion. He explained that this method would change Americans’ perception of reality, making them unable to protect their country, families, and communities. Bezmenov outlined four stages: demoralization, destabilization, crisis, and normalization. The demoralization phase separates people from God, leaving them to rely on their…
Integrity youtube.com
The Bible has a lot to say about the impact leaders have on the well-being of their people. In Proverbs 29:4, it says, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.” So, looking at the world today, how do our leaders stack up against this standard? Proverbs 6:16-19 spells out seven things that can lead…
A Godly Quest for Pleasure – David F. Maas cgg.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
Throughout creation, God has established patterns that are evident in all living things, including the drive-reduction mechanism—where the body seeks to satisfy needs like hunger and thirst to reduce tension. This concept aligns with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies the fulfillment of basic drives as foundational to human behavior. Philosophies like Epicureanism, which prioritize pleasure, have emerged around these physical needs. However, the Bible…
The Frankfurt School youtu.be
The Frankfurt School was a group of German intellectuals who fled Nazi Germany during World War 2. They brought their radical ideas to America, influencing its institutions, especially education and culture. One key idea was Critical Theory, which emphasizes challenging dominant power structures and cultural norms, valuing individual experiences in shaping social values, and promoting subjective morality. These ideas have greatly impacted modern society, especially…
When Leaders Are Lawbreakers – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
The world is a mess. We face a crisis of leadership, with lawbreaking leaders leading nations to self-destruction. Christians must step up as law-abiding leaders. Leaders in denial, aided by complicit citizens, ignore reality, avoiding distressing truths. Denial is a defense mechanism that can blind us. An article, “The World’s Most Dangerous Delusion,” highlights this: America denies China’s declared hostility, preferring false peace. This denial…
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire – Steve McCann leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
In his essay, Sir John Glubb identifies six stages in the rise and fall of empires, drawing from 3,000 years of historical data. These stages offer a lens through which to understand the trajectory of nations, including the United States. The first stage, the Age of Pioneers, parallels the Revolutionary War and the nation’s founding. Following this, the Age of Conquests symbolizes the Western Expansion…
The Power of Cultural Bubbles – Donald Winchester vision.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Physical World
The universal relevance when considering the pervasive impact of culture on our lives. Culture, an intricately complex concept, molds our thoughts, words, and actions. Our views on politics, religion, and even trivial matters like food preferences are influenced by the cultural environment. Culture operates as a powerful force of exclusion, shaping our perspectives and influencing decisions. The dangers of cultural entrenchment are evident in the…
Permission to Fail – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
Striving to emulate God in human form inevitably leads to imperfection, and embracing failure is intrinsic to Christian growth. Just as artists discard thousands of subpar creations to refine their skill, our journey involves countless flawed attempts at embodying spiritual virtues. Each failed effort is a step toward mastery. Rather than avoiding situations requiring spiritual fruit, we confront them despite inadequacies. Failure isn’t isolated but…
Am I Really Forgiven? – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
Part 1 introduced the subject of Christian impostor syndrome, a topic that resonates with many. Part 2 explores the first of three crucial questions that can help in confronting self-doubt and insecurities. The primary question, ‘Am I really forgiven?’ carries profound weight, manifesting in varied forms. Sometimes it’s, ‘What if I haven’t repented correctly?’ or ‘What if I forgot a sin?’—often leaving us with an…
What Makes You Think You Belong Here? – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
Traditionally, the Feast of Tabernacles prompts the question “Why are you here?” However, the author poses a more uncomfortable query: “What makes you think you belong here?” delving into the phenomenon of “Impostor Syndrome.” This pervasive feeling of inadequacy, often discussed in professional contexts, extends into various aspects of life, including Christianity. Emulating Jesus, a perfect being, may evoke a sense of spiritual fraudulence. Acknowledging…
The 2024 Relationship Challenges – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
In today’s world, a focus on self is causing the deterioration of relationships at various levels, with nations and communities turning inward due to the rise of “Identity Politics” and “New Tribalism.” Cancel culture, defined as publicly rejecting or boycotting individuals for perceived unacceptable views, intensifies this trend at a personal level, contributing to relationship breakdowns. This emphasizes the importance of concern for relationships within…
Seven Things Satan Wants for Your Life ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Satan, Physical World
In the Bible, God outlines various desires for humanity, including repentance, obedience, love for Him and neighbors, trust, and commitment. Conversely, Satan aims to destroy mankind by leading individuals away from God. Recognizing Satan’s tactics is crucial, as he exploits our weaknesses, often targeting the mind. Seven common harmful mindsets and habits influenced by Satan include doubting God’s existence, living in fear, prioritizing the temporary…
Thanksgiving Day: More Than Just Being Thankful – Don Hooser ucg.org
Ryan Welsh
2 years ago in Human Beings
Thank you—two simple yet profound words that hold immense value in any language. The satisfaction of doing a good deed often lies in hearing those two words as a reward. Unfortunately, gratitude seems underused. Gratitude is the foundation of virtue, inspiring positive attitudes. It’s challenging to maintain a bad attitude when feeling grateful. Ingratitude, on the other hand, is a prevalent sin, easier to criticize…
Is There A Secret Rapture Coming? thebiblesaysthat.com
Ryan Welsh
3 years ago in Spirit Beings, First Resurrection
Many Christians mistakenly point to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 in support of the idea of a secret rapture. There is a lot packed into these verses but a secret rapture is not one of them. For one, it confirms the biblical teaching that the dead are in the grave and not in heaven or hell, specifically pointing to the dead in Christ – “And the dead…