Bright Hope for Tomorrow

“Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.”
― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

Cemeteries filled with faded tombstones and crumbling mausoleums pepper the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. While exploring some of these burial sites (by daylight), I tried to examine the dates on the stones—but time and weather had rubbed away many of the inscriptions. Even these grave markers, perhaps the only memorials dedicated to the people buried beneath them, could not last forever. This experience led me to ponder the futility of life on Earth.

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The Heart of Christianity

It’s no wonder Holy Week is so special to believers. As RTB theologian Kenneth Samples writes, “Jesus’ being raised to new life three days after His execution pumps the heart of the Christian gospel (doctrine), and is Christianity’s central supporting fact (apologetics).”

In previous years, we (Sandra and Maureen) have shared our thoughts on Palm Sunday, Lent, and Good Friday. This year we asked our fellow RTB staff members for their thoughts on or traditions for Holy Week.

 

Pi’s Path to God

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me….” (John 14:6)

If you ask Christians what they are most thankful for out of everything in their lives, you’ll likely find that Christ’s “amazing grace” tops the list. For those willing to accept the offer, Jesus’ sacrificial death paid the way to heaven even though humans do not deserve it and cannot repay it. Salvation by grace is an idea unique to Christianity. In 7 Truths That Changed the World, RTB philosopher/theologian Kenneth Samples writes, “Christianity at its heart is a religion not of self-help but of divine rescue.”

 

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall

Snow White seems to be Hollywood’s fantasy heroine of choice this year. Last Friday (June 1) brought Snow White and the Huntsman, the second Snow White film of 2012, to theatres. As a fan of Walt Disney’s version of this fairytale princess, I’m looking forward to seeing Snow White and the Huntsman at the movies. The film’s extended trailer reveals a unique and grim twist on the old fable.

Rather than wishing simply to be “fairest of them all,” the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) must consume her beautiful stepdaughter’s beating heart in order to achieve immortality. It seems Ravenna craves not just beauty, but also the ability to cheat death.

 

Remember Me

The thorns, the nails, the blood—there are so many powerful images associated with Good Friday. But the moment that stands out most vividly to me is chronicled in Luke 23:39–43.