Sreedhar's Journey

I have traveled significantly over the course of my life through many countries. One of the things that I enjoy about getting to a new place is enjoying their local cuisine. God has blessed me with a wonderful and adventurous appetite. Anyone like me out there? Of course I only eat the traditional meats, and on occasion, the exotic meats that are delicacies of the land. However, Paul in Romans had a challenge. People were arguing about what food and drink people are allowed to eat and drink. They were arguing the good days to be used for special festivities. It appears that the issues we have today on permitted foods and good days started back in the days of the New Testament. Paul clarifies this for all of us. Romans 14:16-18 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. What is important...

Today many democracies are at risk of not working. Politicians are pursuing popularity to ensure they stay in power at the risk of making and implementing policies that have long term negative consequences on their country. How do we break this vicious cycle. There seems to be no end. The early democratic process in the United States worked because the constituents were predominantly God fearing and hard working. But the situation even in the US has changed and you can see the process is failing in certain ways for them. In Paul's days the Roman Empire was considered an occupier. They were ruthless and allowed the persecution of Christians by Jewish leaders and later did it themselves. But yet Paul says to be subject to them. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Very different thinking. While reading this we can miss the point that Paul is trying to make....