Author Archives: pastorjdburns

Should Christians “Keep the Lord’s Day Holy”?

The commandment says, “Observe the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.” The Sabbath Day is Saturday, from sundown Friday evening to sundown Saturday evening.  The New Testament makes clear that this commandment, according to its terms, is no longer applicable in the Kingdom of God.  Respecting holy things is still commanded, but separating out theContinue reading “Should Christians “Keep the Lord’s Day Holy”?”

Many Beliefs, but Not Many Truths

(or, “Is Truth Only for Those Who Believe It?”) Christians believe that a human being is, from conception, an eternal transcendent soul enfleshed in a physical body, a special creation of God, every one of them—created by God, for God, and in the image of God. A human being is a moral agent accountable toContinue reading “Many Beliefs, but Not Many Truths”

Culture and Counterculture

Christianity and the Church used to be very much part of our nation’s culture.  I don’t mean to say that most Americans were Christians.  They weren’t really Christians, but they were culturally Christians.  Seventy-five years ago Most people were connected to a church, even if only nominally.  In fact, almost half attended worship services fairlyContinue reading “Culture and Counterculture”

Ten Things We are Commanded to Remember, Observe and Hold Dear

(The Ten Commandments in Positive Form) The Hebrew Scriptures do not refer to what we call the Ten Commandments as “commandments” at all.  It refers to them as the “Ten Words,” or the “Ten Things.”  Neither does it number them, which is why there are several different numbering schemes in use among Christians and Jews.Continue reading “Ten Things We are Commanded to Remember, Observe and Hold Dear”

Morality and Reality

Suppose technology developed to the point where human beings could be efficiently grown in artificial, easily accessible, test-tube wombs, without the need of sexual intercourse or pregnancy. There would be many advantages to this.  Future generations could be carefully grown under ideal conditions, and only the healthiest test-tube humans, and only as many as needed,Continue reading “Morality and Reality”