Quote of Note #106: Forfeiting the Soul of a Nation

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A closed down steel mill near Pittsburgh, PA; photo by GAC "The psychological power of nationalism is lessened or at least checked by an ancient wisdom reminding us that a nation might gain a strong economy, everyday low prices, and all the homeland security in the world and still forfeit its soul." David Dark, The … Continue reading Quote of Note #106: Forfeiting the Soul of a Nation

Pastor Note #100: Evangelical Fear and the Turn Toward “Coercive Christianism”: An Essay  Part 1 of 3

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Evangelical Fear and the Turn Toward “Coercive Christianism”: An Essay  Part 1 of 3 Can Christianity in America survive without a strongman-protector?  Is the plight of Christianity in American such that it can only be preserved by the guardianship of a strongman-protector in government, particularly one who is not encumbered by scruples stemming from such … Continue reading Pastor Note #100: Evangelical Fear and the Turn Toward “Coercive Christianism”: An Essay  Part 1 of 3

Pastor Note #99: Following Jesus in a Time of Pandemic, Poisonous Politics, and Social Unrest

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In a recent e-mail to a friend, I described some of the challenges of church ministry in this time of pandemic, political divisiveness, and social unrest.  I told him, “During the past six months, pastoring a church feels like jumping out of an airplane and trying to sew your parachute as you fall.”  That experience … Continue reading Pastor Note #99: Following Jesus in a Time of Pandemic, Poisonous Politics, and Social Unrest

Quote of Note #105: Satan’s Well-Tailored Temptations

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"Satan loves to sail with the wind and to suit men's temptations to their conditions and inclination.  If they be in prosperity, he will tempt them to deny God (Prov. 30:9); it they be in adversity, he will tempt them to distrust God; if their knowledge be weak, he will tempt them to have low … Continue reading Quote of Note #105: Satan’s Well-Tailored Temptations

Quote of Note #104: God’s Response to Disasters

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Dutch Fork Lake in the fog; photo by GAC "After all, so often when people look out on the world and its disasters they wonder why God doesn't just march in and take over. Why, they ask, does he permit it? Why doesn't he send a thunderbolt (or perhaps something a little less like what … Continue reading Quote of Note #104: God’s Response to Disasters

Bible Note #41: Building Up and Healing with Words

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“Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing.”  Proverbs 12:18 [NET] This verse is built on a recognition of the power of words.  And the couplet begins with a warning about the destructive power of words.  It is very tempting to launch out now on a … Continue reading Bible Note #41: Building Up and Healing with Words

Quote of Note #103: Pride and Sinning with Words

~ gachorpenning ~ 1 Comment

"The mother of all sin is pride.  Those who are being harsh and critical think they are right.  In fact, they are certain they are right.  Fools are filled with pride.  'I don't really care about you and what you think,' the fool tells himself.  'It's my view or no view!'  As Proverbs 18:2 puts … Continue reading Quote of Note #103: Pride and Sinning with Words

Quote of Note #102: Living by Faith and Not by Sight

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"This kind of living ["living by faith rather than by sight"] invites opposition.  It will come first in the form of those who insist on living within the budget, thereby restricting the ability of God to reach the community.  The easiest answer to a leap of faith is 'No!'  The church that I now pastor … Continue reading Quote of Note #102: Living by Faith and Not by Sight