The title, “The Golden Rule,” is traditionally traced to the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus (A.D. 222-35) who, though not a Christian, was so impressed by the words of Jesus that he had it inscribed in gold on the wall of his chamber.[1] Whether or not this tradition is true, it nonetheless shows the great impact that Jesus’ words has even on those outside of the Christian faith. Even more, since all wisdom is God’s wisdom, it should not be surprising to hear similar words stated in other...

Television and podcast host, Mike Rowe, of Dirty Jobs fame, is known to popularize the phrase “safety third.” “Safety third” contrasts with the often stated, “safety first” heard everywhere from construction sites to amusements parks. Rowe pushes back against the concept of “safety first” because if safety truly was of first importance, houses would never get built, container ships would never get unloaded, and roller coasters would sit empty. In all of life, there is some risk that is...

Many squirm at the mention and reality of hell. It is a hard pill to swallow, knowing that there will be a cohort of impenitent individuals who will experience the eternal judgement of God. To shirk such an idea, some would suggest that wrath, judgement, and punishment are found only “in the god of the Old Testament,” while assuming the New Testament presents a God only full of grace and a beloved teacher, Jesus. Yet, we hear of the doctrine of hell from the lips of Jesus more than anywhere...