The Kingdom of God is like…buried treasure, priceless pearls, and sorting fish. But what does Thomsonite, a very rare and valuable Lake Superior gemstone, have to do with that?

Perhaps nothing symbolizes God’s conquering of the “forces of chaos” better than when the waters of chaos become the waters of baptism and Christ’s people are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of freedom, peace, and power.

During times of chaos, believers can take comfort in the fact that God is on the lookout 24/7 to bring protection and peace in the midst of life’s rough waters.

Like the “unknown soldier” commemorated on Memorial Day, there are many persons who play significant roles in the bible whose names are unknown to us. But there are no “Nobodies” (no “Unknowns”) to God. We are all God’s “Somebody.”

Some think this game of chance may lead to love. Anyone who’s played it knows better. Real love is best demonstrated by God in his daily love for us, courtesy of Jesus.

This game only works when played together as a group. It’s no fun with just two players and almost impossible alone. So, too, the Christian faith—it is made to do together with each other and together with the risen Jesus.

This game is simple: The green light means “Go!” and the red light means “Stop!” In practical terms, move it when Jesus says “go” and stop what you’re doing when he says “stop”.

Jesus’ sermon on the mount (turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, love your enemy, etc.) hits us hard where it counts most: how we treat others. Be honest…do you even want to do this?

In this game, you run to try and break through the linked arms of opposing players. Jesus’ resurrection broke the barrier of sin & death. For us now, nothing more to fear; in its place: peace.

To win this game, avoid the floor (hot lava) while navigating between objects above the ground. Because one slip and you fall to your destruction. Kind of like avoiding temptation, isn’t it?