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 #234: True Biblical Justice

"I've come to understand that justice is an act of reconciliation that restores any part of God's creation to its original intent, purpose, or image." J. Perkins

Pastor Note #142: Violence & Cruelty in America: Who Is My Neighbor?

"This is a time when followers of Jesus must unwaveringly insist on love of neighbor as a core social value, a value that requires action.  Followers of Jesus in America must assert themselves in making love of neighbor, with its firm rejection of cruelty and violence, the centerpiece of our engagement with the wider society." (click link to read the full essay)

Quote of Note #212: Power & Control OR Humility & Love

"One thing is clear to me: the temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire-builders have been people unable to give and receive love." H. Nowen

Quote of Note #201/Prayer Note #68: Make Me Merciful & Kind

"Father, restore our souls in Jesus Christ, that we may be merciful and kind, even as Thou art."

Quote of Note #200: Caring for the Weak & Vulnerable

"We do justice and God smiles."

Quote of Note #199: Coercive Force vs. Humble Love

"Loving humility is marvelously strong, the strongest of all things, and there is nothing else like it."

Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination? The Church of Jesus Christ in America has to decide whether it will embrace coercion as a tool of mission and ministry or not.  This decision is not a new one for Christians.  Throughout our history, we have frequently embraced a love affair with coercion … Continue reading Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ

"But the truth is that there is enough time and enough wealth to go around. The people in the churches every Sunday outnumber the people who are on the streets and the number of people who are on welfare. If the church took up the responsibility of caring for the poor, of living internationally, of … Continue reading Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ