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

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

"We do justice and God smiles."

Pastor Note #120: James 1:27 & the Essence of the Christian Life

[Note: The text below is the script for a video/audio teaching I posted to my Facebook page and my YouTube channel.  If you’d like to see the video version, follow the instructions in the material below.] How can human beings live flourishing and authentic lives in this complicated and troubled world?  That’s the question that … Continue reading Pastor Note #120: James 1:27 & the Essence of the Christian Life

Bible Note #23: Blessing without Regard to Deserving & the Gracious Heart of God

Proverbs 21:12-13 [NET] The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked; he overthrows the wicked to their ruin. The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and will not be answered. It runs counter, I think, to our stereotypical understanding of the book of Proverbs … Continue reading Bible Note #23: Blessing without Regard to Deserving & the Gracious Heart of God

Bible Note #21: Proverbs 14:31–The Heart of God and the Poor

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”  Proverbs 14:31 [NIV] We have here an antithetical parallelism.  The two halves of the couplet contrast with each other, and in that way the writer shows us one key truth by showing us both sides of the … Continue reading Bible Note #21: Proverbs 14:31–The Heart of God and the Poor