I got into a conversation today that touched on the tension between human free will and God's omniscience, and moreso His foreknowledge. I don't think that God is micro-managing the universe and I believe that human beings have a much more active role in determining the outcome of their existence than my religious compunctions had … Continue reading Perceptions of God’s Perfection
Author: Andrew K. Banks
Purpose is Sustenance
Matthew 4:4, Jesus speaking: 'But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” There is so much more to be gleaned from the context of this story, which is the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness by Satan, but my … Continue reading Purpose is Sustenance
Industry, Mission, and Process
It is almost certain that I will change jobs this year. Consequently, I've been trying to discern what the optimal 'next move' is for me, and, how to best discern that. Recently, I thought about evaluating potential career paths based on these criteria: industry, mission, and process. 'Industry' is the field in which you work, … Continue reading Industry, Mission, and Process
Five Rules for Social Interaction
I collected my thoughts about optimizing social interaction. Though these thoughts are weighted with the intent to attract a mate, they are generally applicable in other contexts as well. Start Talking - Talk more not less. Unless you’re somebody who can’t shut up, in which case your problem is not starting a conversation, but not … Continue reading Five Rules for Social Interaction
Sex and the Spirit
I have a file where I draft blog post ideas. A couple of days ago I was digging deep into it, looking at things I had shelved or never finished, and against my better judgement, I decided to edit (only slightly) and revive this. For context, it may be helpful to read Sex Being single, … Continue reading Sex and the Spirit
The Flesh
In the context of the New Testament, I think of 'the flesh' as ‘that which is passing away or under the authority of that which is passing away.’ That's general vibe I get from Paul's usage of the word 'flesh' in his letters to the various churches. Because our flesh, the physical body, ages and … Continue reading The Flesh
Raise Your Standards
Tony Robbins' teachings on this shifted my thinking into my current perspective on this subject. He has commented that "you don't always get your shoulds, but you always get your musts"...applying this principle to everything from income level to fitness. Most people 'should' go to the gym, but the people who actually follow through are … Continue reading Raise Your Standards
Systems of Education
The last few years I’ve become very connected with a number of Christian families who home-school. When I finally have children of my own, I think I would like to go that direction as well. I was in public school all the way through. What I felt when I was going through the system was … Continue reading Systems of Education
Streams of Living Water from Deep Within
“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, he should come to me and drink! The one who believes in me, as the scripture has said, shall have streams of living water flow from deep within him.’ He said this about the Spirit, … Continue reading Streams of Living Water from Deep Within
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Jesus, speaking to Peter one on one: "I assure you: when you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go." He said this to signify … Continue reading What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Andrew K. Banks 