I Am NOT Just a Number

If you've traveled through any large metropolis in the past year, you've probably seen the billboard "Jesus is coming on May 21, 2011". Where did this date come from? and.. really.. says who??? I first observed this "prediction of sorts" at the Gasparilla parade in Tampa as I passed a large RV with the message "Have you heard the awesome news? The end of the world is almost here!" plastered in bold letters on both sides. I immediately dismissed the message as I had just read in the Bible in Matthew 24:36 that "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This verse referring, of course, to the "second coming" of when Jesus is coming back to earth. It is also referred to as the "Judgement Day" or the "Rapture". Believe it or not, it gives us pause. And... as I want to be "in the know", I figured I'd research both sides of the story. Turns ...

Several times in the past year, I have come across occasions where my beliefs have been questioned by those with conflicting opinions. It is easy to remain silent as questions about faith and belief can be found in the delicate sections of conversation. However, many times my silence erupted due to the lack of knowledge. Being far from an expert in the "field", and more of a "cliff note" cheater I would find myself listening to an either angry or quite confident individual armed with sagacious words that were no match for me in the "philosophical duel" I had found myself in. Though I have saturated myself in the Bible over a quarter century and listened to countless sermons and lectures, it was up to me to roll up my sleeves and prepare for these "battles of sorts". (Not for sake of winning an argument because each one of us is subject to our own opinions but so that I can be confident in my own belief and accurately state my defense). I opened u...