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Living in Trump’s America
Paul and Trump don’t share a lot in common on the surface. Paul was a Mediterranean Jew; Trump is a New York Presbyterian. Paul was an itinerate preacher; Trump a real estate magnate. But for all their differences, they do share this: they have both been labeled “misogynist.” And “chauvinist.” And “racist.” And a threat […]
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The Wasteful (Prodigal) Son
Historically, particularly in eastern Christianity, this parable has been understood to be about a son who wastes what his father has given him. The English word “prodigal” means “wastefully extravagant.” We are all familiar with the scandal of the younger son’s request, “Give me my inheritance.” His share was indeed his, but he should await […]
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A Scroll with Seven Seals
I was invited to contribute an article for a popular Christian magazine about reading the Bible better. I suggest “What this verse means to me is …” can be a very poor way to start a Bible study discussion. It implies a verse can mean one thing to one person and something else to another. […]
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Lex talionis
The lex talionis (Latin for the law of retaliation), popularly known as “an eye for an eye,” was the ancient law to curb escalation. Culturally, when someone hurt your brother, you killed that person. If someone killed your brother, you killed him plus a couple more. This “reciprocation+some” might have been intended as a deterrent, […]
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Render unto Caesar
Opponents of Jesus ask a question trying to trap Jesus: 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to […]
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Vengeance
Vengeance is wrong, right? After all, Paul states: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18, NASB). Yet, when we see a great injustice, such as the slaying of innocents, terrorist bombings, the killing of children, our hearts cry out to see vengeance done. Is that […]
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Peacemaking and Honoring Veterans
All of us are familiar with Jesus’ teachings about peacemaking: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Peacemaking is a path to being called children of God (Mt. 5:9). Likewise, Paul exhorts us to peacemaking: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). And then along comes Veterans […]
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Doing Right Wrong
Is it possible to do that right thing for the wrong reason? Yep. We can do right wrong. Jesus noted this problem. The Pharisees fasted and tithed. Jesus said those were right things to do, but the Pharisees were doing them for the wrong reason (Matt. 6:16-18). As followers of Jesus, we need to do the […]
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I lift up my eyes to the mountains
Yesterday in the car, I heard a Christian artist introduce his (wonderful) song by quoting this opening line from Ps. 121. The artist then adds that his help doesn’t come from mountains. He has the gist of the Psalm correct: I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? (Ps. […]
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Thank God for the Mosque Down the Street!
I was leading a workshop for local pastors. In the chitchat before my session began, several pastors were venting about usual ministry frustrations—sometimes a healthy thing to do (with trusted friends). In talking about challenges, one exclaimed, “They are building a mosque right down the street!” Before others could say anything, I stated, “Praise God.” […]
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Observations on Life by an old Bible Teacher
randolphrichards 