The Danger of Nationalism

Psalm 137 is often praised as a righteous response to persecution. How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? (verse 4). But it has a deadly sting. Israel had been exiled because of apostasy, idolatry, and rampant ungodliness. They’d forgotten the Lord. So they arrive in Babylon and settle by the verdant Kebar River […]

Deadly Offense

So someone hurt you? Said some stuff? Lied to you or about you? Did you take offense? An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city (Proverbs 18:19). Gritted teeth. Folded arms. Shaken head. Jesus’ family took offense at him (Mark 6:3), and no miracles happened in his hometown. The Pharisees took offense at his rebuke (Matthew 15:12) and […]

Identity Crisis

Some Scriptures are just plain scary: “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars―their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). I mean, that terrible list seems to include everybody! What’s more, it’s Jesus himself speaking. […]

Lord, was that you?

The Apostle Paul and his companions were flummoxed. They’d tried to preach in Asia but the Holy Spirit said, ‘No!’ Then they tried Bithinya, and the Spirit said, ‘Nyet.’ Scratching their heads, they went down to Troas to await further instructions. That night Paul dreamed of the ‘man of Macedonia’ begging, ‘Come and help us.’ Excited to have direction at […]

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