Guns and Immaturity, Part 2 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother … and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me… Matthew 10:35-37 Immaturity expresses in countless ways when it … Continue reading Guns and Immaturity, Part 2
Category: devotion
Guns and Immaturity
Guns and Immaturity But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also. Matthew 5:39 Up to now in this series I have primarily focused on our desire to arm ourselves for purposes of self-defense – in order to incapacitate or kill … Continue reading Guns and Immaturity
Guns and Fear, Part 4
Guns and Fear, Part 4 Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay…And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability – and that it may take a very long … Continue reading Guns and Fear, Part 4
Guns and Fear, Part 3
Guns and Fear, Part 3 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 When I turned 18 I was required to register for the military draft – which forced young men into military service based on a randomized list of birthdates. The year I might have … Continue reading Guns and Fear, Part 3
Guns and Fear, Part 2
Guns and Fear, Part 2 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul… Matthew 10:28a I ended last week’s Life Note by saying there is a reason Jesus taught that we should be willing to give up our lives instead of committing violence against another. It is the same reason … Continue reading Guns and Fear, Part 2
Guns and Fear
Guns and Fear Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25 While gun ownership … Continue reading Guns and Fear
Guns, Mental Illness, and Jesus
Guns, Mental Illness, and Jesus Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Matthew 26:52 On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old gunman walked into two adjoining Uvalde, Texas classrooms of fourth graders and murdered 19 students and two teachers … Continue reading Guns, Mental Illness, and Jesus
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 4
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 4 And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Matthew 6:5 According to gospel accounts, Jesus divided his waking hours among three activities: prayer, … Continue reading Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 4
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 3
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 3 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8 Last week I noted that Jesus divided his waking … Continue reading Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 3
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 2
Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 2 …strive first for the kingdom of God and (God’s) righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Last week I suggested the church may be canceling Christianity by the practices and teachings it has adopted as standard church fare. What I mean … Continue reading Is the Church Canceling Christianity?, Part 2
Contemplating Grace 