A review of Paul’s message on righteous living in 1 Corinthians 15:30-34, plus side discussion on how God holds humans accountable. Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Buzz it up Share via MySpace share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tweet about it Bookmark in Browser Tell a friend

Over the last twenty years especially, homosexuality has been reframed as an issue of rights. The debate over same-sex marriage has been redefined that way as well. Overall, both issues are now viewed exclusively as a civil rights issue. One of the primary results of viewing these as civil rights issues is the tendency to limit First Amendment rights, especially the freedom of speech and the freedom of religious expression. In other nations, we are already seeing this occur. In England, a Catholic school was forbidden to fire its openly gay headmaster. In Canada, the Alberta Human Rights Commission forbade a Christian pastor from making ?disparaging? remarks about homosexuality or even repeating biblical condemnations. Such blatant challenges to free speech are not quite yet occurring in America, but we are almost there.

Since America was founded as a nation, religious liberty and freedom of conscience have been cherished values. In many ways, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is testing those cherished values. For that reason, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. is challenging one of the key parts of the ACA on the basis of religious liberty. The Supreme Court recently heard the case and will hand down its decision no doubt sometime in June. What is behind the Hobby Lobby challenge of the ACA?

Paul continues his lesson to the Corinthians on the fundamental importance of the Resurrection, the consequences of denying it, and the guarantees & certainties that it promises for believers.

The Apostle Paul begins to address the Corinthian people on the importance of the Resurrection, and presents facts to show them how reasonable the Bible is.

Vladimir Putin?s annexation of Crimea in Ukraine has upset the world order established after the fall of the Soviet Union. Its ramifications are still being analyzed, but it is at best unsettling, at worst destabilizing. Can we discern Putin?s worldview? Can we figure out his motives and goals in Crimea? Several thoughts:

Dr Eckman continues discussion on Spiritual gifts in worship (tongues & prophesy), and emphasizes Paul’s overall message of how all Spiritual gifts are to be used first to edify the Body of the Church in a fitting & orderly manner.

According to the US Department of Education?s National Center for Educational Statistics, ?a public charter school is a publicly funded school that is typically governed by a group or organization under a legislative contract or charter with the state or jurisdiction. The charter exempts the school from selected state or local rules and regulations. In return for funding and autonomy, the charter school must meet the accountability standards articulated in its charter. A school?s charter is reviewed periodically (typically every 3 to 5 years) by the group or jurisdiction that granted its charter and can be revoked if guidelines on curriculum and management are not followed or if the standards are not met (U.S. Department of Education 2000).?

The Apostle Paul completes his lessons on the characteristics of Love, then begins discussion on tongues & prophecy in worship.

In 2001, Professor of History, Alvin J. Schmidt, published his important book, Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization. Among other parts of his argument, Schmidt demonstrated how Christians manifested a care for and respect for the dignity and worth of human beings in the Greco-Roman world. Christians cared for ?throw-away? babies, the sick, the poor and the elderly in the ancient world. He also demonstrated how Christianity affirmed the dignity, worth and freedom of women in the ancient and modern world. The record of Christianity in founding hospitals, health clinics and the general improvement of health care is nothing short of astonishing. Further, Christianity pioneered the founding and promotion of higher education all over the world, but especially in western civilization. Christians also were leaders in the founding of modern science, theory and research.