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Christ is Hated Because Sin is Loved

Francis of Assisi emphasized living out a life of faith that exemplifies the message of the gospel, but never forget it’s a message Francis also taught by using words. Words are necessary. I don’t think he really ever said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words.” Who did? Some suggest Emily Stimpson. Unlikely. Emily’s been published only sort of recently; the quote’s been floating around for at least several decades. [...]

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Surrendering Slowly is Not Winning

I get concerned about approaching Revelation chapter three jingoistically. America as a whole is not a congregation, and a giant-sized chunk of the American citizenry does not even identify as Christian. As a result, it can take one off track when “America” is conflated with “the church”. I am persuaded that it is best to view chapters two and three as letters addressing the church, and not as letters addressing geo-political nation states. [...]

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Nothing Prepares One Better Than a Love for God’s Word and the Wise Counsel of Our Comforter

Seeking to “cast a vision” other than the one laid out by Christ in the Gospels will inevitably lead to mission drift at best, and apostasy at worst. Striving for excellence is commendable, but if the effort to be extraordinary leads to pride, ego, or self-sufficiency, then the church ends up with something worse than mediocrity… Maybe this is okay for social clubs, but it’s definitely not okay for Christ’s church. [...]

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What Are the Benefits of a House Church?

As a member of the Clergy how do you feel about the stranger?... I stand committed to the truth. I stand for righteousness. I stand for justice. And in the spirit of Leviticus 19:18 and Numbers 6:24-26 I stand for love. Love for my brother. Love for the stranger. Love for my neighbor (understanding that all men and women are my neighbors... even those who call themselves my enemy)... Much love to you. Shalom. [...]

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Three Very Concerning Things Posted on Social Media

With utilitarianism is it okay to be unfaithful to one’s spouse if they never find out? Or steal from someone if they never notice the item's missing? Or to snuff out the life of a person in a coma? And please pardon this extreme example: If, morally speaking, what matters is “conscious experiences”, then is it morally wrong for a group of men to rape an unconscious woman at a party if she does not consciously experience it? [...]

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Five Helpful & Instructive Musings from Social Media Past

These teens won't go to court because they broke no statute. But the court of public opinion should be allowed to weigh in. Who are these teens? If we can't see them because they're minors, then we should hear their parents explain the behavior of their children. The next time someone says, ‘People are basically good’, I will have this video begin playing in my mind as a reminder that evil lurks in the hearts of men. [...]

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