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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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Shifting our Approach on Abortion
For decades evangelicals have denounced abortion. (Personally, I am adamantly pro-life, from womb to tomb.) God was angry when the Egyptians tossed Hebrew babies in the Nile. I suspect he is still pro-babies. Evangelicals are losing the abortion debate in America. Denying this fact doesn’t change it. Electing a different politician hasn’t helped. Both political
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666 The Mark of the Beast
I’ve read the speculations that the “mark of the Beast” will be some government tattoo or maybe a barcode. Maybe it will be a microchip under the skin on the back of my hand. Any of those options makes me feel safe. I can look at my hand and say, “Nope, I ain’t got one.
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Idol Meat and Confederate Flags
Let me talk to you about meat sacrificed to idols. It was a problem in Corinth. Temples in antiquity sacrificed animals. The meat not used by the temple priests was sold in the local meat market. Jews (and thus Christians) were able to have their own kosher market. Later the Romans shut down the kosher
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Notoriety versus Fame
A student remarked, “She’s famous.” What for? I asked. When he described her misbehaviors, I realized my student really meant the woman had notoriety, that is, “being well known for a bad quality or deed.” I’ve noticed folks sometimes confuse notoriety and fame. Very public bad behavior will usually result in notoriety. Let’s take an ancient
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A Handshake Means Nothing?
Recently a young professional basketball player, agreed to play for a specific team. He “verbally agreed” and “they shook on it.” In other words, he gave his word. He later signed a contract with another team. When asked if he should have switched, a commentator, Jason Whitlock, thought it was okay, replying, “A handshake means
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Biblical Thoughts
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