The Big Questions

God calls people to Himself in many ways. Some are called by trial, others by blessing, and some by a search for answers to life’s big questions. You’ve heard that all men have a hole in them in the shape that only God can fill. But, also within man are unanswered questions about origin and purpose for which we strive to find satisfactory answers.

How did the earth and all that we see get here? How did man become man? Why is all this here? And, why am I alive? What purpose do I have? Where am I going, or supposed to go? What will the future hold for man, the earth?

Philosophers, Science, and different cultures have come up with some interesting answers to these questions. But, does the Bible speak to these “big questions.” Let’s explore the big questions in the next few posts.

Who Was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

See the rest of the article here from History.com. Also, see Wikipedia on St. Patrick.

GOOD COUNSEL

The Bible’s book of wisdom says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” And, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 1:5, 12:15, 15:22)

But many times, people seek counsel from the wrong places. I;m always amazed and saddened at the young lady, who in having problems with her marriage, goes and talks with her friends who just filed for, or just went through a divorce. Or, the disgruntled employee at work, who gets together with other unhappy, disgruntled employees to share complaints or run down the employer. We can predict the outcome of these activities. Soon, the young lady will herself file for divorce and suffer a failed marriage. And, almost as certain, that young man will not be employed by that firm within a year.

But where does one get wise counsel? Here are some verses that point us to God, His Son, The Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

John 16:7,13 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when He, the Spirit of truth, (Holy Spirit) comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

God’s word also says we should be ready and willing to give wise counsel to our brother, but the Greek word Nouthesia gets translated instruct, teach, or admonish. Dictionaries will tell you ADMONISH means: to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior, to put on guard, to indicate duties or obligations, to express warning or disapproval especially in a gentle, earnest or solicitous manner, to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement.

Here’s Paul telling us we are capable and should give wise counsel to our Christian family:

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing (counseling) one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish (counsel) one another. (Romans 15:14)

Are you called to be a Christian counselor? Are you in His Word, in prayer, and full of the Spirit, so you’ll be ready?

Remember… Oil and perfume make the heart glad,So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. (Proverbs 27:9)