Sermons tagged #Enigma

1 Corinthians 13:12 states: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." Corinth was famous for its polished metal mirrors, but they did not reflect an image very well. The NIV uses the word "poor" to translate the interesting Greek word, aı́nigma (αἴνιγμα), from which we get the English word, "enigma." It is only found twice in the Greek Bible: Here and where God confronted Aaron and Miriam about the uniqueness of Moses: "With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles (aı́nigma, αἴνιγμα)" (Numbers 12:8). In light of Numbers 12:8, what 1 Corinthians 13:12 affirms is that only at the Lord's return will we see him face to face and no longer live with the sense that the future is an enigma. This is affirmed in 1 John 3:2. In the present, enigmatic world, believers must trust the Lord that he is working everything to make us more and more like the Lord Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). When our goal is to be fully like him (2 Corinthians 3:17-18), we can be cheerful and regard our troubles as "light and momentary" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Proverbs 4:18 expresses the same thought. But Proverbs 4:19 speaks about deep darkness and the wicked not knowing what makes them stumble. What does 2023 hold for the wicked? "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26) That was fulfilled in A.D. 70, but terrifying events are still ahead. As lost people experience the coming destruction they will "Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

How should we seek wisdom? Introduction to the vocabulary of wisdom and a brief cast of characters.

23rd Annual Spring Theology Conference Session 1

Aim: To Live in Christ, The Wisdom of God—As His Church

Cuando estamos nuevos en la fe Cristiana, nuestra relación con Dios puede ser un poco confusa, pero este pasaje nos ayuda a poner todo en una perspectiva divina.

Added to Fire as an Emblem of the Presence of God, His Approval and His Protection; Addressing Also the Issue of 'Strange Fire' and the Enigma of the Cloven Tongues of Fire in the Upper Room

Ten years ago, you know know exactly where you were and what you were doing, when you heard the news. As a nation, we were attacked and the World Trade Center fell to the ground. Many people died that day, whether from the towers, the planes, or even the rescue workers. Ten years later and people still ask where was God in the midst of our storm? He was right there when the plane crashed into the tower; He was holding that wife's hand, as she received the news that her husband had died; He with those babies in that daycare center; He gathered His children in His arms to take them home; and He was right there with us as we received the news. So, where was God? He was there in the midst of the whole tragedy. He never abandoned us and never left our side. Funny thing about us and our emotions, we change 24/7 with how we feel, our behavior, and attitude. But Jesus never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. We get caught up in the whole thing that God created evil and that everything is His fault. But we need to remember that God is not the author of evil, Satan is the one who causes evil. We will never know for sure if we will live tomorrow, we need to live as this is our last.