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Teaching and analysis on how to apply the Bible and God's call for justice to our lives and the issues we face in our world. Justice God demands that we work for justice Does God care what goes on in our societies, or does He care only about our individual souls? The Bible has a very clear answer. Justice is one of God’s major priorities, and He wants us to pursue justice in our societies. He wants to transform not only our personal lives but also our governments, businesses, societies, and cultures. Read Justice and the Bible to see a short summary of the many Bible passages where God calls us to work for justice. This section of Faith Explored is a place to explore what it means for Christians to do justice in our time. Justice Resources Justice and the Bible God wants Christians to work for justice. God Calls Us to Speak Out In the Bible, God tells us to speak out for those with no voice and defend the poor (Proverbs 31:8-9). Groups That Work for Justice We are not alone. We can work with groups that speak out for justice. The Bible and Catholic Social Teaching Examples of how the Bible supports Catholic social teaching. Jesus Rejects the Death Penalty In the story of “The woman caught in adultery,” Jesus rebuffs those who seek His consent for an execution and rejects capital punishment. Stations of the Cross on Overcoming Racism What do the final hours in the life of Jesus say to us about racism in America today? Upcoming Topics Basic Principles Common Good Subsidiarity SEVEN THEMES OF CST HUMAN DIGNITY Life War Nonviolence PARTICIPATION Family RIGHTS Health Government Responsibilities Racial Justice OPTION FOR THE POOR Poverty Immigration WORK Economy Business Practices SOLIDARITY Advocacy God's Downside-Up View CARE FOR CREATION Climate Change Want more? If there is nothing posted on a topic listed above, it means my explorations are not yet ready for publication. If you would like to encourage a higher priority for a topic, or would like to see a topic explored further, send me a note using the contact form below explaining what you are interested in and why it should be a priority. If you would like to encourage the development of specific material or express your gratitude for what is here, please feel free to make a financial contribution to support the development of the website, but a contribution is not required. The main thing is to offer a convincing case that the topic you are interested in should be a priority as material is added to the website. If you are a member and would like to start a conversation by posting a question in the forum , please do so.

What are God’s purposes for making the world the way it is? Why allow bad things? What is God trying to do? What is our role? God's Purposes What is God’s purpose for making the world the way he did? Why does God allow bad things to happen? What in the world is God trying to do, and what is our role? These questions trouble people. Agnostics argue that we can’t find answers to these questions. Atheists argue that a good God wouldn’t allow bad things to happen, so there can’t really be a God. Some believers argue that God is so far beyond us that we can’t understand His ways. Some Christians even think we shouldn’t try to answer these questions – that it’s not our place to ask what God is trying to do. The Bible gives us a different way of looking at it. Jesus told us He would send us the Spirit of truth to guide us to the truth (John 16:13-15). Jesus also told us to love God with “all your mind” as well as all your heart and soul (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). Paul urges us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:16). Paul also urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). God has given us minds to explore His purposes, which He has revealed to us clearly enough that we don’t need to be afraid of tough questions. He has shown us the way to understand His purposes. The evidence is in His Word, His work in the world, and the insights He has given to his people. We must earnestly use the minds God has given us. Please join me in a deep dive into: God’s Purposes: What in the World is God Doing? This “book” is a work in progress. Use the links below to read sections of the book as they are written. Members can also use the forum to ask or answer questions and provide feedback as the book is developed and revised. Chapters You Have a Purpose Actually, you have many purposes! You Can Choose You have free will. To Have the Mind of Christ That's one of our goals. Where is God? - Part 1 Outside the timeline Where is God? - Part 2 Active in the timeline

Bible-based teaching and analysis on the Christian faith and how to live a Christian life. Christian Faith How do we live the Christian faith? Let's put our faith into action! The life of a follower of Christ is an adventure. Each of us has a unique mind, body, and spirit , character, abilities, and circumstances , and Jesus embraces us in the fullness of who we are. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in us, God wants to help each of us, individually and together – every day, all the time – to become more fully like Jesus and to participate in His work to transform the world. Where do you need to grow? In what ways can you take a step closer to God? Pick a topic and dive in! Articles on Faith and Living the Christian Life God Takes a Downside-Up View of the World Throughout the Bible, God views what is going on from the perspective of the lowly, the poor, and the outcast. Look for the Perspective that Allows You to See Joy Your attitude determines what is a “win.” Reconciliation Can Start with a Gesture What is the small gesture or action you could take? When Did Christians First Recognize the Divinity of Jesus? The earliest Christian documents – Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians – show an early understanding that Jesus is God, and the Gospels say it explicitly. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Discipleship, Responsibility, Transformation Many seek to use him for their own cause, but few want to embrace his total commitment to Christ. God Reveals Himself in Scripture and in the Natural World, through Faith and Science God teaches us through faith and science. The Rapture? It’s Not a Pre-Millennial Escape from Tribulation Pre-tribulation theories contradict Jesus and Paul. What does the Bible actually say? Upcoming Topics Christian Living Christian Faith Issues Action Attitude Death Encouraging Others Humor Integrity Joy Money Prayer Suffering Thanks Words You Speak Bible Church Following Jesus God's Love God's Will Holy Spirit Art Creation Evolution Justice Science Truth Want to see more? If there is nothing posted on a topic listed above, it means my explorations are not yet ready for publication. If you would like to encourage a higher priority for a topic, or would like to see a topic explored further, send me a note [hyperlink to contact form] explaining what you are interested in and why it should be a priority. If you would like to encourage the development of specific material or express your gratitude for what is here, please feel free to make a financial contribution to support the development of the website, but a contribution is not required. The main thing is to offer a convincing case that the topic you are interested in should be a priority as material is added to the website. If you are a member (click here to join) and would like to start a conversation by posting a question in the forum , please do so.

Bible Study material for small groups and individuals for the Gospel of Luke, with questions, commentary, and background information. Luke Introduction to Luke Luke provides an orderly account of the life and teachings of Jesus, explaining the significance of Jesus for all nations. His Gospel places a special emphasis on the lowly, outcast, and marginalized, and God's concern for them. Luke 1:1-4 Prologue to Luke's Gospel: Why is he writing and for whom? Luke 1:5-24 A righteous man, Zechariah, has a supernatural experience that begins the story of Jesus.

Bible study leadership training materials - how-tos for small-group leaders to help people grow in faith. Leading a Small-Group Bible Study Almost anyone can lead a small-group Bible Study if they believe in Jesus, are willing to prepare in advance, have an open heart, and have an awareness of social dynamics. Good leaders work to accomplish at least three important goals: Increase people’s understanding of the Bible, Foster spiritual growth through the application of God’s Word, and Provide a place to experience Christian community. Although leaders have different styles, every group benefits if the leaders seek these goals. Here are some handouts I have used in parish Leadership Training programs to help prepare people to lead well. Preparing to Lead a Small-Group Bible Study Meeting How do you prepare a small-group Bible Study meeting? Leadership Techniques for Good Bible Study Discussions How do you manage what goes on in a Bible Study meeting that you are leading? Important Functions of Leaders What are your goals as a small-group Bible Study leader, and what do you need to do to fulfill the role you have taken on?

Bible Study guide material for small groups and individuals for the Gospel of John, with questions, commentary, and background information. John Introduction to John The Gospel of John provides deep insights into the nature of the Trinity and what it means to share in the life of Jesus. John's Gospel fills in spiritual insights the other Gospels don't have. John 1:1-18 In the beginning, Jesus was God, with God, but he chose to come and live with us. John 1:19-34 The authorities wanted to know who John the Baptist was. John was more concerned with the identity of Jesus.

Bible Study material for small groups and individuals for 2 Thessalonians, with questions, commentary, and background information. 2 Thessalonians Introduction to 2 Thessalonians Paul continues to guide the young church at Thessalonica with wisdom that is still relevant to local churches and the whole Church today. Bibliography Bibliography of major sources and additional sources used in this study of Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians (2 Thess.). 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Continue in faith, love, and endurance despite persecution, so that the Lord may be glorified in you. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 The world and the Church will face difficult times, marked by lawlessness and apostasy, but in the end the Lord will be victorious. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:18 Stand firm in what you have been taught and live an orderly life, doing your own work and not minding other people’s business.

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Previous Next Template 2 Subtitle. Image by David Tomaseti, provided by Unsplash via Wix. Tom Faletti ​ Template text 2. Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Previous Next Template 3 Subtitle. Image by David Tomaseti, provided by Unsplash via Wix. Tom Faletti ​ Template text 3. Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

Previous Next Template 11 Subtitle. Image by David Tomaseti, provided by Unsplash via Wix. Tom Faletti ​ Template text 11. Copyright © 2024, Tom Faletti (Faith Explored, www.faithexplored.com ). This material may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration, for nonprofit use, provided such reproductions are not sold and include this copyright notice or a similar acknowledgement that includes a reference to Faith Explored and www.faithexplored.com . See www.faithexplored.com for more materials like this. Previous Next Please Join the Conversation! If you are a member and would like to react to or ask a question about any topic here, please post a question in the forum below. You are also encouraged to continue the conversation in any post by posting a response. Join the conversation here: Forum Page Become a Member

The Faith Explored Blog All Posts Bible Study Christian Living Christian Faith Issues God's Purposes Justice Tom Faletti Jul 29 When Politics Makes You Anxious About the Future Joseph and Jesus offer insights on how to deal with political uncertainties. Tom Faletti Jun 14 Nonviolence – Effective Methods Inspired by Christ Civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson died this week. He was a masterful teacher of Jesus’s call to reject violence in our dealings with Tom Faletti Apr 24 Jesus, the Woman Caught in Adultery, and Capital Punishment Let the One Who is Without Sin Do What? It’s a terrible feeling when you realize you have misunderstood something all your life. That’s... Tom Faletti Apr 15 God Reveals Himself in Scripture and in the Natural World - through Faith and Science On Earth Day and Always. I saw a meme that said, “I don’t follow the Science. I follow Jesus.” This statement deserves further thought.... Tom Faletti Apr 12 Let My Tongue Be Silent If I'm not attuned to the Holy Spirit Sometimes I just need to keep my mouth shut. If I’m not tuned in to God and constantly letting his... Tom Faletti Apr 8 Stop the Music? (Psalm 137:6) Let my music honor God Music is a great gift from God that can touch our hearts and resonate in our souls. But would I be better off... Tom Faletti Apr 5 Before You Hit the Share Button Is it true? Will it build others up? Too many of us are too willing to hit the share button. That’s one reason why so much falsehood... Tom Faletti Apr 4 Forgiveness and Trying Not to Look Over My Shoulder An incident from my past keeps coming back to my mind. As I have explored why, I have realized that one reason is that my pride was hurt... Tom Faletti Mar 31 We Can Learn from Each Other as We Explore Faith Together Faith Explored is a virtual community for people of all denominations and backgrounds interested in exploring how to apply God’s Word to...