Well, the brothers are at it again! The two sons of Abraham were half-brothers, as they had different mothers. The way they were raised produced an animosity between them that exists to this day and may have a bearing on events shortly ahead of us. Abram, as he then was called, was told by God that he would be taken to a land where his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth (Genesis 13:15-16). So, Abram anticipated having children â and a son â as the fulfillment of this … [Read more...] about Ishmaelâs Sons
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The Years Ahead
In the coming years, the members of Godâs Church will face increasing pressure against maintaining a firm position on Godâs truth. It will be a year of challenge and change. The change will be all around us and the challenge will be âholding fast.â We will have reason to be very mindful of the Apostle Paulâs admonition to âWatch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strongâ (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are not making predictions, but simply trying to watch. Watchfulness is a spiritual condition … [Read more...] about The Years Ahead
Following the Crowd
A common practice amongst government departments is that of lobbying. Lobbyists put pressure on individuals in government to persuade them to do something. We are also familiar with terms like group pressure, peer pressure and social pressure. The idea is to influence someone to conform to those who are doing the pressuring. This can, of course, be positive or negative. Scripture warns us to be wary of group think. âYou shall not follow a crowd to do evilâ (Exodus 23:2). It is rare in … [Read more...] about Following the Crowd
Conquering Doubt with Discernment
The internet is a strange place. Filled with all sorts of information, it's possible to get lost for days in the vast chasm of witty memes, Instagram food photos, and stark news articles proclaiming the fall of western civilization. In this chaotic landscape of data all is not what it seems, and we can easily grow dubious. âIs that really an epically muscular guy picking up a car?â âDid she actually cook a meal using nothing but a matchstick, a cotton swab, and a tin can?â We all know … [Read more...] about Conquering Doubt with Discernment
Expressions of Tribalism
It is difficult to escape the feeling that our world is becoming more divided by the day. For example, we are hearing more about political identity. While it has been quite customary to identify with some political party in terms of general policy, the term has now developed a sharper edge. Amy Chua writing in The Guardian newspaper notes: âWhen groups feel threatened, they retreat into tribalism. When groups feel mistreated and disrespected, they close ranks and become more insular, more … [Read more...] about Expressions of Tribalism
Anger
The American Civil War, like all wars, was a brutal one. More Americans died in it than in all the wars our country has been involved in from that time forward, up through the Korean War. That is hard to believe, isnât it? All we have to do to confirm it is to consult the historical record. 623,000 American lives were lost in the war between the states. How does that make any sense, given the far greater destructiveness of the weapons used in the ensuing century with its rapidly evolving … [Read more...] about Anger
Our True Citizenship
In the aftermath of an emotionally charged political election in the United States, it is a good time to reflect on the great truth God has shared with His people. God informs us that our citizenship is not of this earth. As future citizens of Godâs Kingdom, we wait for Christ to return and establish that kingdom over all nations and people (Philippians 3:20-21). Our attention and focus are on Christ, the savior of mankind. During His ministry, Jesus Christ not only proclaimed the coming … [Read more...] about Our True Citizenship