Whenever Jesus begins by saying “Beware” it’s best you sit up and listen. Beware means to be on guard; to get your attention. “Beware” means a warning is about to be spoken. Ignore it at your own risk. One occasion was the sermon on the mount. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15).
Read MoreThe noted German novel Steppenwolf (1927) has a foreboding line in it: “There are times when a whole generation gets caught to such an extent between two eras, two styles of life, that nothing comes naturally to it since it has lost all sense of morality, security, and innocence.” Though describing the plight and lament of the story’s protagonist, I think it’s also descriptive of our time. We live when the morality, style of life, and security of one era is fading into the morality and lifestyle of an emerging era. Nothing seems natural anymore. For many, this causes anxiety, unrest, and anything but a feeling of security.
Read More“All things should be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). There was disorder and confusion among the early Christians at Corinth, especially during their times of worship. That’s why the Apostle Paul gives some simple direction for how the church is to organize herself and conduct her life.
Read MoreSomething very good happened on Pentecost. That is certainly true of the original Pentecost as God showered His Spirit on those assembled. It also appears this was the case this past Sunday – Pentecost Sunday – as two very good legislative goals became legislative realities.
Read MoreAs you are well aware, here in Minnesota the DFL is in control of both legislative branches and the governor’s office. With that “political trifecta,” they have already enacted a long list of radical progressive policies into law. However, laws can be changed in relatively easy fashion when there is a change in political control.
Read More“That may be true for you, but it is not true for me.” It’s a common phrase heard among people in our culture today. Truth has fallen on hard times. It echoes what Pilate said to Jesus while on trial: “So you are a king then?” He was trying to determine if Jesus was indeed a king. Jesus responds, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 19:37-38)
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