Articles
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As the Arrow Flies
The term “sin” has often been commonly related to an archaic archery term that meant to miss the mark (or target). But this term is more effectively translated as falling short of the target. However, when we casualize sin in this way, we blind ourselves to the truth of how God defines sin. It is certainly written in that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard Romans 3:23,” and must realize that nobody who has ever lived, or will live, apart from Jesus, did so without sin. But there’s more to the context of this passage than just a passing reference. But while “falling short” does match…
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Lost and Found
There is a tendency for many Christians to refer to those outside the kingdom of God as “lost,” but the context of this label is lost (no pun intended) on them, and sounds much more like an insult than a reference of love. Jesus referenced lost sheep several times throughout his ministry Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24, yet did not imply that people had “lost their way”, and were wandering, aimless. Rather, he was specifically expressing that they had been lost, and were very valuable to him and he was (is) desperate to recover them. Then Jesus told [his disciples] this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and…
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Never Too Much
Does God ever give us more than we can handle? No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 But the context of this passage is in reference, rather specifically, to the reality of temptation and our ability to overcome it. While this is an awesome promise, and an important thing to understand and live in, this is not the answer to the original question. The answer to the question,…
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Let it Go
Watch this short scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Every day I find myself at odds with . . . myself. As I grow in my discipleship, I look back to see all of the things of my old self that no longer remain. Old habits and attitudes, and ways of thinking. And while my life is no longer a habitual personification of ungodliness—no longer leading a sinful life—it continues to be pockmarked with the remains of what once was.
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Walking the Line
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 Broad is the road to destruction, narrow that which leads to life. But unlike the memorable poem “The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost, these two roads do not run in different directions. They seem, in fact, to be parallel, one over the other, akin to the path of a miniature golf course: all players start at the same “tee”, but the ball must be…
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Living Sacrifice
A sacrifice, as a noun, is defined as: the offering of an animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession [usually of great personal value]; or the person, animal, or thing so offered. In both cases, however, the sacrifice is an offering that is hopefully pleasing to whom it is being offered. Throughout Old Testament history, we see various examples of sacrifices, offered for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. One of the earliest recorded examples of an offering is seen in Genesis 4:3-5. Abel’s offering was recognized by God as a sacrifice, since he brought to God his “first fruits”, the most valuable…
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Tuned In
What’s it mean to be tuned in? A popular online dictionary defines tune (noun) as “an agreement in pitch; unison; harmony.” As a verb, its defined as “to bring (someone or something) into harmony” or, in the context of radio, “to adjust so as to receive the signals of a particular transmitting station.” So often I find myself missing the larger blocks of time with God. While I don’t want to get trapped in any fixed procedure in my time with Him, I am careful not to be too rigid in when I read my Bible or pray, while being as regular in these moments as I can. But I…
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Second Place
Pride is a wonderful thing. It gives us an amazing power to achieve great things. The only drawback is that it directs us to accomplish things that only give us glory, instead of God. We seek that glorious prize—a 1st place trophy, a trophy home, a trophy car, or a trophy life—and we do so with a fervor that allows us to sacrifice better things to have it. Over time, we become convinced that reaching that goal is the most important thing, and that once there, everything will be better than it was. We set goals and often work overtime to achieve them, only to get there and find that…
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God Speaks and He Lives
“Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:45 I just finished watching the animated film, “Joseph: King of Dreams”. I have read the story of Joseph a dozen times, and each has revealed new and deeper understanding, and new lessons. God spoke to Joseph through his dreams, and through them Joseph ultimately gained great power and great responsibility. God’s glory spoke loud and clear to Pharoah and the people of Egypt through Joseph’s integrity and spirit. Through him, God saved Joseph’s family as well as the whole country…
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Ministry & Mission
You know, it was recently suggested that the terms “ministry” and “mission” meant very specific things, and should be regarded in separate and specific ways. Ministry was deemed to be focused on service to Christians, while mission was focused on service to those outside the church (e.g. “the mission field”). And, while I may concede to this concept at its surface, based on the context of the original argument, I cannot accept this clear-cut definition in real-world application. A cursory examination of the use of the term minister reveals, beyond the instance of an official designated as “a person authorized to conduct religious worship; member of the clergy; pastor”, a…
