Due to the natural proclivity of the human mind to focus inward on self, relationships in âthe worldâ are deteriorating. Nations are turning inward as are the communities that form a nation. We see the emergence of what is being called âIdentity Politicsâ and the âNew Tribalism.â This is a form of polarization which has as its underpinning an emphasis on self. This should not surprise us as we know the god of this world is a self-promoter. At the personal level, our present cancel culture is … [Read more...] about 2024 Relationship Challenges
Conflict Resolution
Our Old Man
In assessing the many aspects of the body of Christ, the thing that stands out to me is that we have a personal responsibility to the body. We cannot sidestep that. We could summarize that responsibility as: âBut the manifestation of the Spirit (or the fruit or the expression of the Spirit) is given to each one for the profit of all:â (1 Corinthians 12:7). To be able to express the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), obviously one must first have it. This is where our individual … [Read more...] about Our Old Man
Adjusting Our Focus
All around us the world is coming unraveled. Many elements of our society believe right is wrong and wrong is right. Morality of any form is out the door as a basis for all our institutions. Our economies have been pushed into the worst recession in a generation, with our government convinced that they can spend their way out of debt. Food supply disruptions causing shortages could result in millions of deaths this year alone in the poorest of countries. It is easy for … [Read more...] about Adjusting Our Focus
Overcome Evil With Good
Lifeâs difficulties, as many have experienced, arise from various possible angles. Sometimes we cause our own difficulties through poor decisions. However, trials also come through other people. Not necessarily from something we did to deserve it. But, wham! We get hit hard because of what somebody else does to us, often because their way of life is in opposition to ours. It becomes a tangled web, a path of carnage. People get caught in the middle and have profound effects on … [Read more...] about Overcome Evil With Good
Conflict Resolution
We canât get around the fact that in this world weâll have conflict. How many times have we said the wrong thing or displayed the wrong attitude, knowing that it has caused offense? Conflict stems from a lack of understanding the different things that motivate each of us: âWhat causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?â (James 4:1 ESV). Godâs Holy Spirit canât come to its fullest when weâre divided, and that disunity corrupts … [Read more...] about Conflict Resolution
How Do We Use Authority?
When we consider biblical authority and how we should use authority, do we consider it from manâs perspective or God's perspective? The disciples came to Christ and asked Him a basic question, who would have the preeminent position â to sit at his right and left hand (Matthew 20:21-27). Sitting at the Kingâs right and left hand by its very definition implies position, power and the ability to exercise authority â which in human terms implies the ability to control others. Christâs response to … [Read more...] about How Do We Use Authority?
The Importance of Fellowship
What makes Godâs people stand out? What makes us different from the world around us? One of the ways this world will come to know our Holy Father is by how we show love for one another through our fellowship. Weâll stand out from a world thatâs lost its way and lost its love â a world of relationships fractured by selfishness. The early church of God was born within a hostile society. Jesus had just been crucified by Roman hands at the behest of the Jewish leadership, and it was not … [Read more...] about The Importance of Fellowship