What Was Paul’s Primary Focus

Q: The apostle Paul had much to say to the 1st Century Christian’s (and to us today). What was Paul’s primary focus?

A: Paul’s primary focus can be summarized as the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its transformative power for both individuals and communities. His ministry emphasized the following key aspects:

1. The Centrality of Christ: Paul consistently focused on Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, and lordship. He declared, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

2. Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Paul taught that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Christ, not through works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This message was central to his epistles and ministry.

3. Unity in Christ: Paul emphasized the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, culture, and social status (Ephesians 2:14-16; Galatians 3:28).

4. Living by the Spirit: Paul called Christians to live transformed lives, walking in the Spirit and reflecting Christ’s character in their daily actions (Galatians 5:16-26; Romans 12:1-2).

5. Mission to the Gentiles: As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul made it his mission to take the gospel beyond Jewish communities, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham (Romans 15:15-16; Acts 13:47).

Overall, Paul’s focus was on the advancement of God’s kingdom and the spiritual maturity of believers, rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

6 Incredible Finds That Proved the Bible Was True

The following article describes archaeological finds to prove facts from the Bible that skeptics have tried to claim were false.

https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/6-incredible-finds-that-proved-the-bible-was-true.aspx?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=cslewis

Having a healthy, respectful, and informative discussion

I asked ChatGPT: List guidelines for having a healthy, respectful, and informative discussion.

The response was 12 guidelines:

Here are some guidelines for having a healthy, respectful, and informative discussion:

1. Listen Actively

  • Pay attention to what others are saying without interrupting.
  • Show that you are engaged by nodding, asking follow-up questions, or summarizing what was said.

2. Respect Different Opinions

  • Acknowledge that others may have different perspectives or beliefs.
  • Avoid dismissing, mocking, or belittling someone else’s point of view.

3. Speak Clearly and Concisely

  • Express your thoughts and opinions in a clear, organized manner.
  • Avoid long-winded explanations; stay on topic to keep the discussion focused.

4. Use “I” Statements

  • Speak from your own experience by using “I think,” “I feel,” or “In my experience.”
  • This helps avoid sounding accusatory and keeps the discussion personal and constructive.

5. Stay Calm and Composed

  • Keep your tone of voice neutral and avoid raising your voice.
  • If you feel yourself getting upset, take a deep breath or pause to collect your thoughts before responding.

6. Avoid Personal Attacks

  • Focus on the issue at hand, not the person you’re speaking with.
  • Refrain from name-calling, sarcasm, or making derogatory remarks.

7. Be Open to New Ideas

  • Be willing to consider viewpoints that differ from your own.
  • Ask questions if you don’t understand something, rather than immediately rejecting it.

8. Seek to Understand, Not Just to Respond

  • Make an effort to understand the other person’s perspective fully before crafting your response.
  • Clarify points if needed by asking, “Can you explain more about…?”

9. Use Evidence and Examples

  • Support your arguments with facts, data, or real-life examples when possible.
  • This helps make the discussion more informative and grounded in reality.

10. Agree to Disagree

  • Recognize that it’s okay to have different opinions and that you may not reach consensus on every topic.
  • Respectfully agree to disagree if no common ground can be found.

11. Respect Time and Space

  • Be mindful of the time and avoid monopolizing the conversation.
  • Allow others to share their thoughts without dominating the discussion.

12. Follow Up if Necessary

  • If the discussion was intense or unresolved, consider following up later to continue the conversation in a more reflective manner.
  • This shows that you value the relationship and the ongoing dialogue.

These guidelines help create a positive environment where everyone feels heard and respected, leading to a more productive and informative discussion.

12 (wow!) Attacking Groups/Movements Against Christianity

Here was my question to ChatGPT (genesis of this below):

There are various groups and movements that are trying to tear down Christianity or otherwise deconstruct it. Among other things, they argue against the truth claims of Christianity. Three such groups are secularism, atheism, and moralistic, therapeutic deism. Are there other groups or movements that I haven’t listed?

ChatGPT responded with nine more.

Yes, there are several other groups and movements that challenge or seek to deconstruct Christianity, in addition to secularism, atheism, and moralistic therapeutic deism. Some of these include:

  1. Religious Pluralism: This movement asserts that all religions are equally valid paths to truth, effectively undermining the exclusive truth claims of Christianity.
  2. New Age Spirituality: A broad and eclectic movement that often incorporates elements of Eastern religions, mysticism, and occult practices, promoting a relativistic view of truth that contrasts with Christian teachings.
  3. Postmodernism: A philosophical movement that questions objective truth, including the idea of absolute moral and spiritual truths as taught in Christianity. It often promotes relativism and skepticism toward meta-narratives like Christianity.
  4. Cultural Marxism: This ideology critiques and seeks to dismantle traditional power structures, including those based on Christian values. It often views Christianity as a tool of oppression.
  5. Humanism: While similar to secularism, humanism specifically emphasizes human reason and ethics without reference to the divine, often viewing religion, including Christianity, as unnecessary or even harmful.
  6. Progressive Christianity: While not necessarily seeking to tear down Christianity, this movement reinterprets traditional Christian doctrines in ways that often challenge orthodox beliefs, sometimes aligning more with secular or liberal ideologies.
  7. Scientism: This is the belief that science alone can provide truth about the world, often dismissing religious or metaphysical claims as unscientific and therefore invalid.
  8. Agnosticism: Though not necessarily hostile to Christianity, agnosticism promotes the view that the existence of God or the divine is unknown or unknowable, which can lead to a dismissal of Christian truth claims.
  9. Skepticism: A broader philosophical stance that questions or doubts religious and metaphysical claims, often leading to the rejection of Christian doctrines.

These movements and ideologies, in various ways, challenge the foundations of Christian belief and seek to reinterpret or deconstruct the faith from different angles.

I was listening to a wonderful lecture by Albert Mohler titled, “Being a Christian in a Post-Christian Culture: 2010 Washington, D.C. Conference.”

Address my first three fairly extensively. (Included was the four horsemen of modern thought. Marx, Darwin, Nietzsche, Freud.)

Link: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/conferences/being-a-christian-in-a-post-christian-culture/disappearance-god?utm_source=RefNet&utm_medium=Show&utm_campaign=ConferenceSeries

The Olympics’ Iconic Photo Has a Christian Message

[from Christianity Today)

There’s a hidden Christian message behind what may be the most celebrated image of the 2024 Olympics.

On July 29, in round three of the shortboard surfing competition, Brazil’s Gabriel Medina faced off against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi, who eliminated Medina in the last Olympics. In his second wave, Medina emerged from a tube exuberant, with both palms open, suggesting that the judges should offer him a 10 for his performance. (Two of the five judges agreed; his final score was 9.9).

Medina then pivoted left, toward the surf, and jumped off his board, raising his right hand and pointing his index finger upward. This was the image that Agence France-Presse photographer Jérôme Brouillet captured.

Brazilian evangelicals recognized the sign immediately.

“It’s like he’s saying, ‘It’s not me you should be looking at, it’s God. This moment of glory is not mine, but His,’” said João Guilherme Züge, a resident historian of religion at Museu Paranaense, in Curitiba.

This has been used by Brazilian athletes for about 40 years, gaining popularity in the 1990’s.

I like the humility and praise of God.

Randy Gradishar Thanks Archie Griffin and Gives the 4 Truths of the Gospel at his Hall of Fame Enshrinement

Randy Gradishar (LB) was a key centerpiece of the Orange Crush Denver Broncos defense (he played 1974–1983). At his NFL Hall of Fame induction speech in Canton, Ohio, he, very clearly and succinctly, gave the 4 truths of the Gospel and thanked teammate Archie Griffin for inviting him to attend a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting. It was Gradishar’s senior year and Griffins sophomore year on the Ohio State Buckeye football team. As a result, Gradishar, at age 22, received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

We can be thankful for people like Archie Griffin and Randy Gradishar who are bold to share the truth of Jesus Christ. We need to do likewise.

2:13 minute Video

Click this image to view the snippet from Gradishar’s speech on Twitter/X.

Full Induction Speech Video

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eYpJU9ZJn58%3Fsi%3DomM5MJBsGUtLxKXM

Heisman Footnote

As a footnote, in Gradishar’s senior year at OSU (1973), he placed 6th in the Heismann Trophy voting, one behind Archie Griffin. Griffin would go on to be the only 2-time Heisman Trophy winner in ’74 and ’75.

Bob Polk Recognized at Doane University

Reverend Dr. Robert L. Polk became a friend of my parents, while attending Doane with them, and was best man at their wedding (in 1952). Bob Polk has had a wonderful life and has been, and is, an inspiration for thousands.

Doane University named their newly built amphitheater in Robert Polk’s honor, on May 17, 2024 (details here/write-up here). I had the honor to be there. This was also the commencement weekend at Doane and Dr. Polk was the speaker at Baccalaureate and the Commencement.

Below I have collected some pictures, videos, and information about this great man for myself (and perhaps others) on the occasion of his honor and being together with him in Crete, NE, on the Doane campus.

Bob Polk (which sounds informal, but that’s what my dad always called him) was born May 8, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. He and Georgetta Weaver were the first black persons to attend Doane College (now University). He graduated in 1952, the same year my dad, Walter J. Olsen, graduated. After Doane, he went to seminary. The first church he served, as a pastor, as in North Dakota. He has served the church and people his entire life. In his memoir, Bob Polk says, “My life’s work has moved along two parallel passions: ministry and social justice – majoring in race relations.” More details can be found following the links below.

Here is a video recording of the Baccalaureate and Robert L. Polk Open Air Theatre Naming Ceremony. Program here.

Here is a video of Dr. Polk’s awesome Commencement address.

Webpages and Videos

Photos (click to enlarge)

Pictures Special to the Olsen Family

50th Wedding Anniversary in Lincoln, NE. Amazing picture!

In Conclusion

I am very thankful for Bob Polk and all that he has done as a pioneer, faithful minister, leader, inspiration, and friend of our family.


This page created by Jim Olsen. URL: http://faith.drjimo.net/bob-polk-to-be-recognized-at-doane-university/

Special thanks to my wife, Marilyn Olsen, and my sister, Liz Schulenberg, for finding and scanning the pictures.

Bear Grylls setting a good example

Bear Grylls setting a good example, in many ways. He is a strong christian along with being a well-known adventurist and survivalist.

See the article: Bear Grylls’ life off-screen – real name, famous wife and huge net worth.

I’m interested in the Book:

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

by N. T. Wright

Read his introduction (in which he describes the structure (logic 😉 of the book), it is compelling.

God-Confidence

In the devo today by @BearGrylls he has a good word about God-Confidence. Cf https://www.mandyandmichele.com/true-confidence-comes-from-god/#

Graphics : https://x.com/drolsen314/status/1762851578350911848?s=61&t=1To83REIhj1lNshdBovbuA