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If you had to pick a story or two for personal engagementment, what would it (they) be and why and how? What does this statement mean to you? “You are the only watchdogs in the yard.” If you were the only voice available to speak to any of these issues, what would you say? How…
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Religious Scrupulosity, OCD, and the Fear of the “Unpardonable Sin” Recently, I recorded a sermon and companion reflections around Matthew 12 and Jesus’ strong words about loyalty, neutrality, resistance, and decision. In that passage, Jesus says startling things: That second statement has troubled sensitive believers for generations. And because I addressed it in the sermon…
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Music, the universal language speaks to hearts, awakens senses, and illuminates the darkness so that we can behold truth. “That’s the name of that tune” – was a catchphrase frequently used by detective Tony Baretta (Robert Blake), a streetwise undercover police detective in the fictional world of television. But, what and who is the name…
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Paul begins this passage with a shocking statement: “You were dead through the trespasses and sins…” — Ephesians 2:1 Dead people walking. That is Paul’s image. Not physically dead. Spiritually dead. Alive biologically, active socially, functioning outwardly — but separated from the life of God. Your reflection and illustration around the James River captures this…
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“The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”— 1 Timothy 5:2 Just who is your mother? Timothy had his own mother and grandmother, but as a pastor, he was taught to set an example for the entire church: to treat older women as mothers. They were to be respected, honored, cherished,…
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II Thessalonians 2:1–17 In 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17, Paul addresses fear, confusion, deception, and endurance. Some believers had become alarmed by claims that “the day of the Lord” had already arrived. Rumors, teachings, and perhaps even letters falsely attributed to Paul were circulating among the churches, disturbing people and shaking their confidence. Paul’s response is pastoral…
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Bible Chat – Leviticus 16:20–34 There is a moment in this ritual that invites us to stop and watch. Aaron has spoken the words.Hands pressed firmly on the head of the goat.Every category of failure named—iniquities, transgressions, sins. And now… the goat begins to walk. Away from the camp.Away from the people.Away from the presence…
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Micah 4:4 “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.” There is an empty bench under a tree somewhere with your name on it. It is waiting for you to stop running…
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Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me… take my yoke… my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If one must bear a burden, the best burden to bear is one that is bearable. If one must wear a yoke, the best yoke is one that fits. Jesus speaks these words after issuing one of His…
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