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In: Bible and Theology, Gospel, Post-Modernism, Sin and Holiness

“for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25) An internet meme asserts that Jesus said Christians will be known by their love, not by their doctrine. Even pastoral sermons can fall into this trap. Yes, trap. The problem with this meme is two fold. One, it presents a false dichotomy, pitting love and truth against each other. The scriptures on Christian love are a vital part of soundRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Legalism, Prayer and Devotions, Sin and Holiness

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114) This verse follows the statement, “I love your law,” thus it is reasonable this sentence offers a reason why:  in the pages of scripture he finds shelter in  it’s consistent,  unchanging, dependable definition of right and wrong, and its testimonies of God’s actions in history on the behalf of his people, and the promises we inherit from our spiritual forefathers. Through this, and the hope/faith it builds in him, he finds protection and deliverance–from what? Likely, the double-minded, wicked evil-doers he wants away from, double-minded indicating they waver between twoRead More →

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In: Bible and Theology, Prayer and Devotions

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)   These instructions come to us in the midst of similar instructions. At first glance, we are tempted to think context offers us no additional insights. But let’s look again anyway at the immediate context: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:9-11) See it now? Again we have a careful balance between truth and love:  Being sincere, real, loathing evil/sin, doing good–butRead More →

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In: Abuse, Bible and Theology, God's love, Prayer and Devotions

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16) What is love? John tells we learn what love is at the cross. Jesus and Paul both tell us that to love god and to love others fulfills all the laws and regulations handed down to us in the scriptures.  We love, John tells us elsewhere, because Christ first loved us. To love is to sacrifice and put others needs (not their wants) before our own. Scripture places the greatest burden here upon the leaders in our communities:Read More →

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In: Bible and Theology, God's Character, Idols, Sin and Holiness

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12) Then tells us we need to ask: why are we, God’s chosen holy and beloved ones to put on compassion, kindness, meekness and patience? What are we missing by not asking why? The answer to that question for this verse, and to the same question regarding an earlier list of  sinful inclinations of our fallen flesh that we’re to put to death, is found in verses 1-4 and 11: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated atRead More →