We all deal with conflict daily, in many forms. Even the church has conflict, internal and external, from time to time. With the Bible as our guide, which biblical examples can teach us about a specific quality that foils conflict? Where does this quality come from? What does it lead to? Letâs consider Gideonâs example to identify this quality. Chosen by God as a judge of Israel he was assigned to defeat a threat from neighboring Midian (Judges 6:1-8:21). He assembled an army of 32,000, but … [Read more...] about Handling Conflict
Love One Another
Equality, Equity, and Justice
There are growing trends and attitudes in society towards authority, and I began to explore how it might be affecting the young adults within the Christian community. Besides the fact that authority is increasingly disregarded and disrespected, itâs still expected to provide some semblance of justice. We can lament the fact that any kind of standard on which to base justice is quickly being dismantled. But regardless, people in general want justice, whatever that means to them. … [Read more...] about Equality, Equity, and Justice
The Danger of Political Correctness
If Christ were to run for political office today, would He be elected? Hypothetically, we could reason and say, âWell He is honest in all His dealings, He is a hard worker, He is willing to help anyone, He sets the standard for moral uprightness, etc.â What is there not to like? By todayâs standards, there is plenty. Jesus Christ was not âpolitically correctâ â not by todayâs view. He, with His supernatural and spiritual understanding, said things that illuminated the truth, things that went … [Read more...] about The Danger of Political Correctness
Speak No Evil
Speaking evil of others is wrong! Donât be judgmental! The book of James tells us so, end of story. But is there an important nuance to truly understand this seemingly straightforward instruction? âDo not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge … [Read more...] about Speak No Evil
Unity in the Church
What is Church unity and where does it come from? Having been drawn out of the world, as followers of Christ our position regarding unity is decidedly different than the common ideas about unity which surround us. There are two important aspects of unity of which we need to be mindful: our calling and our baptism. The Apostle Paul emphasized these factors when he wrote a letter to the Church in Ephesus. Paulâs message conveys, among other important teachings, the fact that God provides both … [Read more...] about Unity in the Church
Instilling Trust in Godâs Church
What percentage of Americans would you guess trust the government in Washington to do what is right at least most of the time? According to the Pew Research Center, it has been at about 17% during the previous administration and during this present one. That puts public trust of government at near historic lows. We donât have to guess at what effect this cynicism has had on national unity because the distrust and animosity among the citizenry is almost palpable. The important thing to realize is … [Read more...] about Instilling Trust in Godâs Church
Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
As followers of God, we have chosen to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. There are two main ways for us to measure our spiritual growth â motivation and action. Motivation is the internal desire to grow, to change, to accept Godâs perspectives and motivations in all aspects of our lives. Action is a literal external behavioral change - the evidence of that motivation. It is a change that can be perceived and observed in our daily lives. All motivation and actions are … [Read more...] about Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth