Dr. Cornel "Corey" Melia

Here are 20 quotes from my sermons through the years. They are not original thoughts, but are from my studies and challenges. Some have logical fallacies but the overall tone reflects the Christian worldview. I have been stimulated intellectually, satisfied emotionally and liberated spiritually by my encounter with the Living Christ. 1.  Before you mock a biblical text, study the context carefully then read a commentary from a respected Christian scholar. 2.  When approaching a Being who created 100 billion galaxies, it should be in reverential humility. 3.  Some of the teachings of Jesus are outrageous and offensive, but truth is confrontational and unsettling. 4.  Quoting biblical verses out of context is suicidal: "Judas went out and hung himself", "Go and do likewise." 5.  It is far better to go to heaven alone, than to hell with the crowd. 6.  If you went on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence for a conviction. 7.  ...

The Biblical narrative explains why God chooses to reveal Himself to some and conceal Himself from others. God has provided enough light to every person so they could respond to the invitation for relationship.   He speaks through our conscience and natural laws.  The psalmist declared, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies display His marvelous craftsmanship . . . only the fool says in his heart, there is no God." The prophets declared, "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, that's the way you designed it." Jesus was not opposing scholarly disciplines but the egotistic arrogance that often blinds the cleaver and intellectual elites of this world. Jesus confirms this truth when asked why he spoke in riddle...

I have friends who see no objective evidences for the existence of God. Critics of God look at the suffering, injustice, religious wars, unanswered prayers, hypocrisy, silly rituals, exclusivism, naive prejudices, and natural science as their defense. Anti-god philosophers argue for the human need to create god in our image, a wish fulfillment and based in projections of imagination creating mythologies and illusion. A minute change from GOD IS NOWHERE to GOD IS NOW HERE opens us up to new insights and perspectives. Where some see God nowhere others see God everywhere. 1.  Science reveals the intellect of God. 2.  Mathematics reveal the logic of God. 3.  Wisdom reveals the nature of God. 4.  Art reveals the beauty of God. 5.  Joy reveals the personality of God. 6.  Music reveals the soul of God. 7.  Justice reveals the holiness of God. 8.  Reason and logic reveals the sensibility of God. 9.  Creation reveals the creativity of G...

Biblical illiteracy is at an all-time high in "educated" western civilization. Immature Christians are often guilty of proof-texting. It is exposed on car bumper stickers and sign wavers. Critics of the Biblical library attempt to debunk its authority by also quoting verses out of context. Jewish civil laws, sexuality, slavery, women and cosmology are favorite targets. An example of alleged sexism: "Women should be silent in the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive . . . let them ask questions to their husbands at home." The ill-informed critic completely ignores the greater context that elevates women as equals in the grace of God. Women were given spiritual gifts and were expected to preach and pray in the public worship meetings. Instead of studying the passage carefully, investigating Corinthian culture and history, the critic displays literary incongruity. This complicated passage is encouraging order and unity in...

Critics of the Christian Gospel, in comparative religions discussions, often times say, "Your message of a free gift is just too simplistic to answer the harsh realities of our complex world. To tell me that all I need to do is believe is insulting." But it is just that simple to become a Christian. The complex and harsh process for us to become a Christian is the deeper reality. Here are 10 complex demands from the Creator and Sustainer that needed to be solved.      1. How can imperfect humanity become acceptable to a Holy perfect God?      2. How can death be conquered and eternal life be celebrated?      3. How can frail human bodies be made adaptable for eternity?      4. How can sins against God be atoned for and forgiven?      5. How can universal evil be conquered and destroyed?      6. How can humanity be sustained for all eternity?      7. How can God best commu...