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
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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
Our Brotherâs Keeper
The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satanâs influence, covering sin and restoring a relationship between the Father and mankind, ultimately reaching out to the entire creation. Have we stopped to consider what our role is in this restorative process? Exodus 32 tells the familiar story of Israelâs rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and Godâs anger. But letâs look closely at the reaction of Moses, after God states His intention to destroy the Israelites and offers to make an entire … [Read more...] about Our Brotherâs Keeper
Counting the Cost
In a recent conversation, someone was reminiscing about their baptism and remembered that at the time they thought they had counted the cost but in the years that followed realized they hadnât known what that cost was going to involve. Most of us have gone through difficult times within the Church and faced situations and decisions that we could never have anticipated at the time we were baptized. Counting the cost is a principle stated by Christ during His ministry. âFor which of you, … [Read more...] about Counting the Cost
Semper Fi
One of the central themes found in the bible is that of faithfulness. There is a Latin term that has been adopted by many groups and entities to convey the importance of faithfulness. The term is Semper Fidelis, which means âalways faithfulâ or âalways loyal.â A shortened version has been adopted by the United States Marine Corp as its motto, simply - Semper Fi. However, there is not a group that this term applies to more than the Church of God. The following three observations will keep … [Read more...] about Semper Fi