Bible Note #64: Zechariah 7:9-10–A Rightly Ordered Society in God’s Eyes

"One of the primary tasks God gave to the prophets in ancient Israel was to instruct the people of Israel on how to order their society so that it reflected God’s heart and mind.  These verses from the prophet Zechariah are a prime example of that." (For the full post, click the link below.)

Quote of Note #222: Ethical Capitalism & the Danger of Wealth

"Why is wealth such a threat...? First, wealth allows the rich to separate themselves from others--to become independent of others and isolated from the needs of others." L. Sweet

Bible Note #57: Zacchaeus #1–The Real Zacchaeus and That Terrible Children’s Song

Christians, especially American Christians, can be really good at sanitizing the gospels in order to make Jesus less offensive.  We want a version of Jesus that doesn’t make us uncomfortable, one that fits with our American way of seeing things.  The story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus is a case in point. One of the … Continue reading Bible Note #57: Zacchaeus #1–The Real Zacchaeus and That Terrible Children’s Song

Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible

When reading the Bible, do you ever find yourself convicted about some sin in your life?  Do you find that the Bible sometimes points out something about the way you’re living that just isn’t right with God?  That’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?  Let me suggest a surefire way to keep that from happening.  Try to always … Continue reading Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible

Quote of Note #70 — Squirrel-cage of Consumerism

"I do not think we shall ever escape from the appalling squirrel-cage of economic confusion in which we have been madly turning for the last three centuries of so, the cage in which we landed ourselves by acquiescing in a social system based on  Envy and Avarice.  A society in which consumption has to be … Continue reading Quote of Note #70 — Squirrel-cage of Consumerism

Bible Note #37 — Deuteronomy 23:24-25: Provision for Neighbors in Need

24 “If you go into your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag. 25 If you go into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain.”  Deuteronomy … Continue reading Bible Note #37 — Deuteronomy 23:24-25: Provision for Neighbors in Need