Author: RJ Walters

I am an Independent thinking, highly functional person who is deaf and has some unique views and challenges in life. Like all of us, I am a person who is composed of all my life experiences and that is what I write about here.
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What is the meaning of life? – Part 3 The Real source.

RJ Walters

God put this unrelenting urge to find the meaning of life into us for a reason. He wants us to constantly seek him of our own free will of course. He loves us so much that he had his son become a human to die for us. His love is an all encompassing love (agape) for us. When Jesus said “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” in John 10:10 he was directly addressing the issue of the meaning of life. Having life to the full means we know for certain why we … Continue reading What is the meaning of life? – Part 3 The Real source.

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What is the meaning of life? – Part 2

RJ Walters

We humans are constantly on the epic journey to find the meaning of life. It drives some of us quite crazy. Let’s look at some of the idols we Americans frequently put in place in our lives: We must have a bigger and bigger home to make our life meaningful — I must admit that I am a regular watcher of the TV show “House Hunters”. On the show is typically a family of mom, dad and often times a small child or sometimes two. The couple almost always says that their current house of 2,000 sq ft is simply … Continue reading What is the meaning of life? – Part 2

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What is the meaning of Life??

RJ Walters

All humans seem to innately seek the meaning of life. It is built into the core of our existence. It is one of the crucial things that make us human. My Basset Hound Beulah is quite intent just to get her ears rubbed on a regular basis and to make our daily trek out to the mailbox. (All of you who might have a Basset know that you must keep them on a leash constantly or they will get utterly lost tracking a scent that totally envelopes their attention; i.e. The ever present leash even to the mailbox . Too … Continue reading What is the meaning of Life??

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Being Your Brother’s Keeper – Kennedy Style….

RJ Walters

I just wanted to make a quick post in honor of Senator Ted Kennedy.  It’s a shame that his life long passionate goal of making healthcare a right instead of a privledge for ALL Americans did not become a reality while he was with us. I know he was an honorable Christian and a good Catholic.   Here’s to you Ted I hope your dream becomes a reality soon.  I know there are those out there who would like to trash his memory over issues you disagreed with him on. But, this is not the appropriate time and since I won’t approve … Continue reading Being Your Brother’s Keeper – Kennedy Style….

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When we Christians shun our responsibilities….

RJ Walters

Jesus clearly told us to be our brother’s keeper but somewhere along the way we Christians unapologetically shunned that responsibility. During the first three centuries Christians were very much their brother’s keeper. They often pooled their resources so that those most needy were taken care of. They not only cared for their own there is even documented evidence showing that they took care of those not even Christians.  But, of course, this is what Jesus did so they were just following his lead. The vast majority of Christian congregations today spend about 95% of what they gather on themselves or … Continue reading When we Christians shun our responsibilities….

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The forgotten words of the Great Commission

RJ Walters

Of course all Christians know the Great Commission. As most remember it we are to go out into the world baptize them and tell them about Jesus and how he died for our sins. But what many seem to conveniently forget is the words just beyond that where Jesus says to tell them to do what he commands! Many seem to think that being a Christian is just taking an “alter call” and saying the “sinners prayer”. Jesus says there is more to it than that. He spent his three year ministry helping us to understand just what we are … Continue reading The forgotten words of the Great Commission

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Sanctity of Life??

RJ Walters

I am going to take on a hard one here. The big “A”.  I have been in a conversation with some Christian friends of mine about the current healthcare reform now being debated in congress and around the country.  Some of my friends said the following: “I can’t support this reform as it might allow some to have abortions funded”!  I, certainly am also against abortion. It is killing an innocent life and definitely against Jesus’ teachings. But how do Christian who make abortion a litmus test for everything else answer these typical questions by some:  You Christians only believe … Continue reading Sanctity of Life??

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Book Review – Letters from a Skeptic

RJ Walters

          I just finished the book Letters from a Skeptic by Greg Boyd and I must say I was profoundly moved by the contents. The book is essentially a series of letters between Dr. Boyd, who was once an atheist, but now a noted theologian and his unbelieving father Ed. The letters took place over a two year period and covered many items that are basic concerns that skeptics have about Christianity. It is not my intent to discuss any details of the book. I will leave that for you to discover yourself. Coming to Christ … Continue reading Book Review – Letters from a Skeptic

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To Serve or to Be Served?? … That is the Question

RJ Walters

Jesus intends for us to serve others rather than for us to expect others to serve us. I think that many people in the United States have that message reversed. They dream of having enough money to have people constantly waiting on them and to fill their every need. After all, that is the American dream isn’t it? Well, it may be the American dream but it should not be an “Kingdom of God” citizens’ dream. Let’s look at some of the red letters in this area.  Matt 20:25-28 “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over … Continue reading To Serve or to Be Served?? … That is the Question

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Taking America back for God — Part 3

RJ Walters

In the last post I brought forth the proposition that God loves all of humanity and does not particularly bless one world government more than another. I also pointed out that many today think that if we could just turn the US into a Christian theocracy everything would be wonderful. I pointed out that we have had Christian theocracies in the past and they were no more like Jesus (i.e.. The kingdom of God) than those pagan governments around them. And many times even worse! This post I will spend some time talking about how I believe that a follower … Continue reading Taking America back for God — Part 3

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Taking America back for God — Part 2

RJ Walters

Last time I pointed out a couple of reasons why I believe that the phrase Taking America back for God to be erroneous statement. This time I will expand my thoughts on this topic and talk about allegiances. Does God recognize governments and give some more blessings than others? — Except for Israel of course there is little evidence of that in Jesus’ words. And even for Israel, in my mind, refers to the people who have a relationship with God and not the political nation either then or now. God infinitely loves all his children no matter what their … Continue reading Taking America back for God — Part 2

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Taking America back for God

RJ Walters

The title of this series of posts is a popular mantra for a fringe wing of one of our political parties in the United States but is it really true in reality?? I am going to break down my opinions of this topic in next three postings on this blog.  Using the word “back” implies that the United States was once a country that followed kingdom of God principles. I am a life long avid reader of US history. I love my country and we have done some great things but I don’t recall a single period of time that the country … Continue reading Taking America back for God

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Being a political “Social Conservative” and a Christian??

RJ Walters

I am going to keep this post very short but I would like to hear anyone’s views on whether being a Christian and a social conservative are compatible. I am only talking about social conservatives not fiscal or conservatism in general. If Jesus were here today would He be labeled a social conservative? I personally can’t begin to imagine that but would like to hear from anyone who thinks it is a possibility. Continue reading Being a political “Social Conservative” and a Christian??

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Election/Predestination

RJ Walters

We just finished an adult Bible study series at my church on election/predestination today. Boy, was that an interesting one! We certainly don’t shy away from the difficult topics. That is one of the things I like best about my pastor. It turns out that my pastor and I are pretty much aligned on this topic. I assure you that isn’t always the case. I will have to think and study this some more and then maybe do a series on predesitnation here some day. I just wanted to make a quick post here to maybe get you (and myself) … Continue reading Election/Predestination

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In Principle…..But

RJ Walters

 I wanted to spend today’s post giving you some quotes from Greg Boyd. I use Dr. Boyd’s words quite often in this blog but will give some first timers a little info about him. He is a theologian and the founder and senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul MN. He is also the founder and president of Christus Victor Ministries and an author of 15 books on theology and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. He also has doctorates from both Princeton and Yale Divinity Schools.  Here are his words (the bold letters are … Continue reading In Principle…..But

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The Jesus Factor

RJ Walters

On Sunday I listened to a sermon from my pastor that truly moved me. It is about a subject that is very near to my heart. For that reason I am posting a copy here without comments. Please take the time to read it. You will be enriched by its message. It is kind of long (most clergymen are long winded aren’t they?) but it is worth the read. :)  Thank you Pastor for allowing me to post it on this blog. Here it is:  You can’t help but be awed at this gracious outpouring of compassion from the Lord. … Continue reading The Jesus Factor

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Still on my mind….

RJ Walters

  To my wife’s dismay I still have RVs on my mind. In fact I have purchased a few books about the topic. After spending a month on the road in our latest vacation I realized there is still so much of this country that we haven’t yet seen and enjoyed. Jumping from hotel to hotel was probably one of the least enjoyable parts of the trip. Not to mention the costs of staying in them. Taking a nomad home with us on future trips still sounds very enticing. For those who know me know that I am a planner; … Continue reading Still on my mind….

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Jesus and Love….

RJ Walters

Ok, let’s go over some of the other places where Jesus mentions love. Most of them are, like much else in the Bible, shows us how to live in this world and get ready for the next. Matt 19:18-19 “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 6:27-28 But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord … Continue reading Jesus and Love….

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Love, Obey, Command….

RJ Walters

If you love me you will obey what I command. John 14:15-16  This is one of the hard sayings of Jesus that is difficult to ignore. It couldn’t be more blunt. Even looking at the surrounding context you can’t mask this message. If you love me… The following verses adds that if you do this then I will give you the Holy Spirit to be with you forever. Is that to imply that if you don’t show your love for Jesus by obeying Him, or at least really trying to, that He will not give you the Holy Spirit? I … Continue reading Love, Obey, Command….

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A time to remember…

RJ Walters

I know this is about as far away from our Thanksgiving holiday as you can get but I think it is an appropriate time to again pray the Thanksgiving Prayer by Samuel Pugh. After the prayer we will listen to some of the words of the prophet Micah.  Oh God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; When I have work, help me to remember the jobless; When I have a home, help me to remember those who have not home at all; When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer, And remembering … Continue reading A time to remember…

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Loving God…

RJ Walters

Matt 22:37-40 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Of course, the above words are at the foundation of what it means to be a Christian. As He mentioned all of the law is based on these two commandments.  When he mentions the phrophets I guess he is referring to the messages that they brought to the people.  It … Continue reading Loving God…