The Meaning of Life Is to Know God Through Jesus Christ Life Without the Knowledge of God Leads to Emptiness Meaning in Life Comes from Knowing God as Our Father An Invitation The Meaning of Life Is to Know God as the Author of Life The Bible says that God created the world ( Gen. 1:1 ). Jesus, also called Jesus Christ, Jesus of Galilee, or Jesus of Nazareth, (born c. 64 bce, Bethlehemdied c. 30 ce, Jerusalem), religious leader revered in Christianity, one of the worlds major religions. Our Savior came to earth to testify to God's . Yes, Christ is worthy of our passionate pursuit all the days of our lives. These are the verses that tell you who you are, what is important, and what you are called to do. Terms of Service apply. However, the light of the Word is not overcome by the darkness (John 1:5, 12:35). Life is a story filled with forgiveness, hate, love, disappointment, discouragement, and questions. In the Holy Scriptures, God indicates that His people can become holy as well. No matter how hard we try, we never seem to get everything exactly right. When we know God as our Father, we can learn to trust and receive love. And I wish you the best on your blog! Because happiness is a reaction to your circumstances, like smiling and laughter. Jesus begins to predict his death and resurrection. Life is not an endless pursuit to get more. To display the glory of God. Does fantasy really not hurt anyone? Muslims share with Christians most of the basic outlines of Jesus' story . Our worldview only affects how we think and reason. Our world and our lives can seem perpetually on the brink of disaster. In this case, it was a resurrection to physical life, not a resurrection to glory and immortality. They are absolutely meaningful. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Thank you. Are we passionate about the most important things? Please let us know if you have suggestions for future articles, and let us know any questions you would like answered. In troubling times we often turn to God, but do we pray for the things that will help us cope? God is holy! The Bible shows that God has emotions and created our capacity for emotions. ). Life is a story filled with forgiveness, hate, love, disappointment, discouragement, and questions. They anchor your life. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_11',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-110{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}His conclusions after everything is: Life is vain, empty, and worthless without God. But once we trust in Christ, through his work on the cross, God sets us free from the slavery to sin, saves us from eternal death, and we are given a new identity to declare the wonderful things He has done (1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:9). We try to get out of the brokenness by looking for other relationships, careers, religion (trying to be good enough), or looks for ways to numb our pain through things like drugs or alcohol. What is life all about? Do our social media messages reflect things God likesor things He hates? 19:18 (Love your neighbor as yourself). Thank you for signing up to receive email newsletters from Answers in Genesis. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and encouraging content. Life on earth is a journey of our transformation to become more like Jesus, who has delivered us from evil, sin, and death, until the glorious day when we spend eternity with him. The Word was the one who breathed physical life into the first man, Adam (Genesis 2:7; cf. 1. He is perhaps the man who has gone through the highest highs and the lowest lows in life by enjoying, then losing his family, health, and wealth. "Well then, eternal life must be living forever in heaven instead of hell." That's not it either. As Christians we desire to do life well here on earth and sometimes we overdo it by putting our wants first. This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves, the God who summons horses and chariots and armies they lie down and then cant get up; theyre snuffed out like so many candles: Forget about whats happened; dont keep going over old history. Finally, we cannot fully express the profound gratitude we have for stewarding this outpouring in the life of our school and beyond. The meaning of life, according to the Christian faith, is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. How is it possible for humans to become holylike God? It is becoming more difficult to know what to do in life and death situations. Im glad it was helpful. What about your most important life choice? Life is being a temple for the Holy Spirit to live. For many who are caught in the consequences of bad life choices, tomorrow seems to have no hope. May God richly bless you for you have been an inspiration to me and my wife. It does not follow the same order or reproduce the same stories as the synoptic gospels. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jesus came to give His followers an abundant lifefull of purpose, potential and joy. THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN The Gospel according to John is quite different in character from the three synoptic gospels. God gives us food, clothes, relationships, and other things in life to bring joy, enrichment, and pleasure to our lives. Is there even a reward? We turn from our old ways of living and we pick up the Bible, read it, and apply it to our daily life. The biblical definition of life specifically eternal life is provided by Jesus Himself: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" ( John 17:3 ). His ultimate goal is to know Jesus and experience the power of his resurrection through his suffering and death (Philippians 3:10-11). In this article, we introduce our newest column, Walk as He Walked. What is this new column all about, and why is it important for you? The Value and Dignity of Human Life Chee-Chiew Lee | Singapore Life is a gift from God. Its important to surround yourself with friends who are Christians and can support you in your walk. Philip Wijaya Christianity.com Contributing Writer 2019 23 Jul Romans 8:1). This is why Jesus says in Luke 12:22-23 (ESV): Jesus says that life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Peter encouraged persecuted Christians to be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is in you. What does this mean for Christians today? That doesnt mean that Christian living is easy. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'pursuitbible_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-medrectangle-4-0');God originally made a perfect world and said it was very good. The meaning of life is not based on things we see in the world for life is more than food, and the body more than clothing (Luke 12:23). Jesus came so that we can have life because He is the embodiment of life. Notice that work is a blessing from God, not a curse. What Is the True Meaning of Life? To seek the kingdom of God. All of this is such a waste of time, because at the end of our life, none of this will matter. More fortune does not simply represent more meaning. Preparing for and running a marathon reminded me a lot of the challenges of the Christian life. Sometimes life is tough! Help us share the truth of Gods Word and the gospel! (before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini - or the year of our Lord). They are probably the verses you turn to when you are confused, lost, or losing hope. He confessed there is something beyond earthly life that God has put in the human heart and that God the Creator is always in control, even though no one can perfectly understand His work (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Short Answer What is the meaning of life? Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21). To grow in the knowledge of God. God is after our hearts, as a Father would want from His children. God loves us and calls us to be in relationship with Him. The Bible reveals the causes of spiritual failure and spiritual success. Adam became a living being by the breath of God (), and if God were to withdraw his breath from humans, they would perish (Job 34:14-15).Since life belongs to God, humans do not have absolute autonomy over their own lives but are stewards of the life given to them by God. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. God never promised that this life would be easy. John 3:36 says, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." From now on you do know him and have seen him.. He comforts us in times of trouble. We are a reflection of Gods glory, created in His image, and being converted by the Spirit into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Science has shown evidence for the existence of the Creator, the Son of Man who came to serve and offer his life, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This world is not our home and there is more to life after death. Suffering is hard and can appear to be unfair. Why am I here? They converted others to belief in him, which eventually led to a new religion, Christianity. We have hope in Jesus and a life that is everlasting and fulfilling. I pray that youll experience the fullness and abundance of life in Jesus Christ! I think it would be more accurate and helpful to say Jesus (third circle) is the bridge between beauty (first circle) and brokenness (second circle). Jesus's life was a mixture of times of joy, celebration, miracles and teaching, as well as hardship, rejection and suffering. The person was asking what good works he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 16). 8:12, 12:35). 4, followers of Christ are guaranteed to be spared from suffering., According to Pace and Wheeler Ch. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers. Im making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). God is not only the author of life, He is our Father. Thus, in his lifetime Jesus was called Jesus son of Joseph (Luke 4:22; John 1:45, 6:42), Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 10:38), or Jesus the Nazarene (Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19). We can also learn to be corrected and led on a better path because God cares for us (Heb. They can disorient, discourage and debilitate us. According to the book of Genesis, God gives people the gifts and responsibility of marriage, family, relationships, culture, and work. Through Mary, Jesus was born in the royal lineage and inherited the right to David's throne. Life is being a temple for the Holy Spirit to live. Ecclesiastes is a book of the Bible, one of the Wisdom books, that explains how life in this world can be meaningless. All rights reserved. Both genealogies link Joseph (and thus Mary who was his cousin) to King David. The broken things like sadness and sickness still exist in our lives when we have Jesus, but we have his presence to walk through those things with us. Your calling in life is your identity in Christ and cannot change no matter what career path you choose to go down. Life can be hectic and harried. According to Luke, after Jesus cast out seven demons from her, Mary became part of a group of women who traveled with him and his 12 disciples/apostles, "proclaiming the good news of the. Growing up, boys are often told that big boys dont cry. Wild animals will say Thank you! the coyotes and the buzzards Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth, drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me. (Isaiah 43:16-21 The Message). Jesus claims that He is the way, and the truth, and the life. The Book of James is an important book in the Bible. What Is the Meaning of Life According to the Bible? Salem Media Group. Just because someone has had (or done) more good things in life does not necessarily mean their life is more meaningful than those who do not. Happiness. Passages such as Acts of the Apostles 2:36 show that some early Christian writers knew that the Christ was properly a title, but in many passages of the New Testament, including those in the letters of the Apostle Paul, the name and title are combined and used together as Jesus name: Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus (Romans 1:1; 3:24). The English word "love" has many shades of meaning, but the "love" that Jesus spoke of is a translation of the Greek word agape. That is, Forrest Gump was wrong; . Salvation brings "eternal life," in contrast to the eternal death of being separated forever from God (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46). History and the Bible give us examples of zeal and passion. We let financial obligations get the best of us when our paychecks are less then what we want, or we let overspending empty our pockets. Seeking the meaning of your life needs be a lifetime pursuit. This is evident in his incarnation when Jesus performed other miraclesturning water into wine, feeding the five thousand (John 6:114), walking on water (6:1621), and the miraculous catch of fish (John 21:48). The way He does this is by sending Jesus. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Jesus says in Luke 17:33 (ESV) Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. The only way to find life is to find it in God and in pursuit of Him in every season of life. Our worldview is based on faith alone, so neither our thoughts nor actions play a role. My email is below. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus, McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia - Jesus Christ, World History Encyclopedia - Jesus Christ, JewishEncyclopedia.com - Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Jesus Christ - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Pingback: Why am I? How does God want us to react? Jesus Born in a Bethlehem Manger: Significance & Meaning. Paul wrote some inspiring and beautiful sentiments, such as, In everything give thanks. But is that literally realistic? Two wrongs never make a right. Jesus himself said that believing in him is the only work God wants from us(John 6:29). We get concerned when things dont work out the way we plan. I pray that God will continue to fill you with life to the full in Christ. By practicing Christian living, we will demonstrate the values that Christ has and the love He shows. They begin to plot to kill him. In sad moments of despair, confusion, and fear, Gods word comes alive and Jesus is the one who turns our mourning into dancing. As a matter of fact, He said there would be pain and that this world is not our home. 5. Christians believe that choosing to follow Jesus Christ makes life immeasurably better. The Bible is crystal clear what His will is for our lives. Jesus answered him according to his beliefs and quoted the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and Lev. Author of, Sterling Professor of History, Yale University. Perhaps this invitation from God in Jeremiah 33:3 will be for you? God desires for us to see and experience His blessings through our brokenness. We show kids Gods love by our actions when we pray, read His word, and worship Him with our life. The benefits are priceless. Our first and foremost priority in life is to seek Gods kingdom and His righteousness, to do what He wants us to do (Matthew 6:33). How do we live the life Jesuswants? Romans 3:17), but that God reveals throughout the Bible. John 3:19, 8:12; 12:35, 46). The ultimate goal of humans pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is to understand God, the greatest of all (Proverbs 9:10). Humans have yearned for and struggled for peace, but still it has eluded us. The first of Gods blessing to humanity is fruitfulness, to multiply and fill the earth and govern it (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 8). We will be able to receive correction and learn from others in our lives. Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. We sometimes face complex situations with no clear right choice. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;" John 11:25. When we look at the world around us, we see that we live in a world of brokenness. Does the Bible tell how? I believe the second most important thing in life is my relationship with others. John 1:118 is often referred to as a prologue because it forms an introduction to the gospel of John and is the interpretive lens by which to view the rest of the gospel. So what did Christ mean when He said, My yoke is easy and My burden is light? The Bible provides an answer and a reason that may surprise you! What I mean is hopeless for this life, the here and now. Read Article Download PDF. Jesuss incarnation inaugurated a new creation whereby the light of the Word shatters the darkness of sin and gives new life to those who trust in him. But in this scenario, "He" is the center of a marketing campaign that has spread far across the U.S., spanning between billboards, banner ads online, and a forthcoming Super Bowl commercial. Scripture tells us, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality" (1 Thess 4:3). At some point in life, the usual things that once brought meaning, purpose, and fulfillment are not the same. In the Bible, what is the meaning of life? Jesus is the bridge between the good things (beauty) and the bad things (broken) in our lives. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to your inbox. QUOTES. Fear and worry can plague us when we see our weaknesses. Other parts of the New Testament - such as the Pauline epistles which were likely written within 20 to 30 years of each other, and which include references to key episodes in the life of Jesus . For instance, war victims, natural disaster casualties, stillborn babies, etc. ). What is the meaning of life? Rome had legions in both countries but not in Palestine. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. Jesus is called the Author of life (Acts 3:15; see also John 1:3). The last days in the life of Jesus begin near sunset. The things that are meant to bring us fulfillment and joy sometimes cause us the greatest grief and misery. Most of the time, people are busy living their lives rather than thinking about the meaning of it. Forgiving someone who has painfully hurt us doesnt mean that we have to be around them. I have certain talents and interests and I feel that this would be a good place to start finding my purpose. Father!. Difficult times come in many shapes and sizes. But through his incarnation, Jesus has brought about more. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. was it fair to conclude their lives were simply meaningless? Can we connect? However, the Bible has much more to say about the characteristics of eternal life. 2020 9 Apr. In him, the questions about identity, origin, meaning, purpose, and destiny are answered with profound hope. His very presence lifts my spirit and calms my anxious nerves. What does it mean that everything is meaningless? John 6:46; 1 John 1:2). Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. John 1:1 and Genesis 1:1, 10 Biblical Reasons Jesus is God: Single copy. We need Gods person and presence and power to navigate through both. Wednesday, March 29th in 30 A.D. In the early evening, after arriving in the home, he has supper (John 12:1 - 2). Its the way of peace. We have freedom of choice and we either do the right thing with a grateful heart or selfishly we react and sin. In this inaugural edition, well take a closer look at why everyday moments matter. Your Input on the Next Book on Rabbi Jesus, Hesed: Enduring, Eternal, Undeserved Love. He sent His Son to give us life and our life is secure because of Jesus. God, our loving Father, wants us to find happiness and joy. King Solomon: Fear God and keep His commandments. Exodus 20:11). God knows this about us and that is why He sent his son as a living sacrifice for our sins. According to Matthew and Luke, however, Joseph was only legally his father. What will we learn about how to prepare for future crisesespecially the most dangerous, spiritual ones? Life is all about knowing God, experiencing His beauty and divine purpose, His miracles, and Creation. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World? The only way to everlasting life is through Jesus and there is just one road we must travel down. 12:7-8). Is the deck stacked against you? 3. 121 john ndhlovu. John 1:1 follows the Greek translation (Septuagint, LXX) of Genesis 1:1. Our work is supposed to be a display of Gods greatness, and therefore in everything we do, we are to do it with the right motive: for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Life is full of emotion, miracles and facts. Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life, must be the center, the criteria and the model for our daily lives. He is the Son of God. [Link opens in a new window]. The paradox of life is that the more we grope to find its meaning, the less we can grasp it. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,vanity of vanities! What should Christians do when confronted with spiritual, moral or ethical dilemmas? link to Jesus Born in a Bethlehem Manger: Significance & Meaning, link to Book of James: Summary, Meaning & Application, The Meaning of Life Is to Know God as the Author of Life, The Meaning of Life Is to Know God Through Jesus Christ, Life Without the Knowledge of God Leads to Emptiness, Meaning in Life Comes from Knowing God as Our Father, 7 Guidelines: How to Start Studying the Bible for Yourself, Is based on things that can change at anytime, Is based on other peoples choices and favorable circumstances, Is based on things that are out of our control, Can leave us empty even when we have plenty, Is based on the unchanging character and goodness of God, Is based on the Author of Life reaching out to us, Is based on our choice to seek God at anytime, Will always lead to fulfillment whether we have plenty or not, We will have a sense of identity as Gods children. We care deeply, until we cant care anymore. We spiritually grow up and take responsibility for our Christian walk with Christ in our heart. Since we believe in Christ, we are born again and become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). For many professing Christians today, religion is just a few-hours-a-week thing. Believing in Christ means we have everything we need. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . Paul sometimes simply used Christ as Jesus name (e.g., Romans 5:6). The word of God reminds us what life is! Related Papers. What does the Bible reveal about the way of peace, and how can we live that way? Jesus is the life. The Bible gives vital details about the challenges and benefits of this Highway of Holiness. Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:23, 1012). The Bible teaches that there is only one true and living God (Deuteronomy 6:4; cf. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? The verb became (egeneto) does not mean there was a change in the deity of the Word; rather, he took on a human nature (cf. Paul wrote that all things work together for good in Romans 8:28. Jesus condemns their hypocrisy. Jesuss death on the Cross defeated Satan and his rule over this world. Are you personally filled with joy and happiness? Twenty years ago, we didnt even have a word for it. In the same way, the meaning of life can be experienced fully only when we are connected to our Father in heaven. Author of. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? Long Answer What is the meaning of life? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Jesus (also called Christ which means king or Messiah) was born in Israel 2000 years ago. Ill send you an e-mail. We pray according to Gods will when we ask for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). God made a world without brokenness without war, sickness, or death. The video implies that when we have Jesus in our life (third circle), we leave the brokenness (second circle) and return back to the many good things God created for us in the beginning (first circle). Thanks for letting us know the meaning of life. Why is everyone so busy today? No one comes to the Father except through me. God has given you gifts, talents, skills, relationships, so be a good steward of them. The point of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is not to give people a way off a sinking ship. God raised Him from the dead. Solomon, the son of David and King of Israel, is described as the wealthiest and wisest man of his time (1 Kings 3:12-13). Why are some of the most prosperous people some of the least satisfied? Jesus Christ came to this world with a clear mission: to seek and save sinners (Luke 19:10). Dont you see it? And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! How can you sort through the confusion? Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? Jesus often showed his apostles how to minster and be obedient. From a Christian perspective one would say that life is action, faith, belief, and relationships. The vastness of the universe, the wonders of nature, the complexity of living organisms all testify there must be a supremely intelligent Designer, who set everything precisely in order. For his first thirty years, Jesus lived a traditional Jewish life, working as a carpenter. We not only need to know him but also to believe in him because faith helps us when we cannot understand. Here are seven vital elements to request of God. Scripture: John 10:9 Steve May Introduction: Have you ever found yourself completely confused by the multitude of religious ideologies being sold in the marketplace? 1 Corinthians 8:6). Corrections? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'pursuitbible_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-leader-3-0');Jesus shows us exactly how God is a Father to us. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives. John 1:1 not only tells us who the Word was before creation, but John 1:3 tell us what he did in creation: All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. Greek Stoic philosophers used the term logos to refer to the rational principle by which everything exists. Jesus came to actually fix the ship. He is not one of the ways to get to Heaven, He is the only way to get to Heaven. We overcommit and put hours upon hours into pointless things. Many experts tell us to follow our hearts or trust our gut instincts to make the best choices. The Gospel According to Jesus The gospel according to Jesus is not about church membership or do's and don'ts; it's about a relationship with him. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'pursuitbible_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-pursuitbible_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Our relationships, work, and culture can change, so they cant be the basis of the true meaning of life. Our desire is renewed: to always honor and please God, bear good fruit, and know Him better(Colossians 1:10). Jesus would teach crowds of people where ever he went and would often performed miracles along his journeys. As you might imagine, people ask the big-picture type of questions, especially when theyre going through really tough times or when there are big changes in life. I took many notes. They need to want to do things right before they can become independent. How can we find peace of mind when life seems unpredictable and out of control? Ultimately, we pray that our efforts in these days point to our Savior. So yes, I think its good to focus on your relationship with God, to live out your calling as a child of God, be rooted in a healthy church, etc.. With your assignment/career/path, ask God to guide you, trust that He does, talk to people you trust and then take a step of faith. Many feel frustrated they didnt do better or judge others who fall short. That was his assignment. How can we survive the constant bombardment of anxiety, fear and stress? I have had an on again and off again relationship with God over this time. All rights reserved. Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus - Your Thoughts? We have to make a choice in who we are going to put our hope in, because we cant have both.