Tag: entitlement
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Basic Rules for Just and Prosperous Societies- Exodus 20:13-17
Verses 13-17, the last five commandments in the decalogue, carry the same spirit as the first five. Why does God instruct a society not to permit murder within its borders? A society where people are permitted to kill one another without just cause cannot survive or prosper. Instead, for any society to live long and…
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Pastoral Contentment and the Success Syndrome
I have been in full-time ministry for 13 years. Before I started my ministry career (for lack of a better term), I had one instructor notice my goal-oriented zeal and offer a book from his personal library. That book still sits on my shelf in my office, stamped with his seal on the title page.…
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Sodomy and Injustice
Abraham has spoken with the preincarnate Christ about justice and righteousness. God has chosen Abraham for the purpose of righteousness and justice upon the earth. Thus, all of Abraham’s descendants, particularly those in Christ, have a responsibility to see righteousness and justice fulfilled on the earth. Now, we see the destruction of Sodom. Christ has…
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Daily Devotional: Ephesians 5:1-4
Therefore, since we put off our old selfish selves and put on Christ, we are instructed to be imitators of God. We are His beloved children. Just as Christ gave Himself up for us as an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma, we also give ourselves up for others. This is our…
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Daily Devotional: Ephesians 4:25-32
Therefore, since we put on a new self in Christ and reject our natural entitled and self-absorbed ways, we lay aside falsehood and speak the truth to one another. The practice of falsehood is a selfish practice. We lie because we don’t want to be found out. We pretend to be righteous because we want…
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When the Holy Spirit Departs
Moses has so far told the story of creation, the woman, and God promise to her. Her seed shall bruise the head of the serpent and his seed. When Cain killed Abel, Cain was exiled and Seth was born. Noah was born a descendant of Seth, the one who would bring rest from toilsome labor…
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On Christian Arrogance
Paul writes to the local church at Corinth in order to encourage unity through maturity in the faith. He begins a new section about the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, or the participation in what is perceived as unholy actions by some. I have heard people apply this portion of Scripture to the eating…
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When Someone Personally Offends Me
As Paul addresses the division and immaturity of the local church at Corinth, He comes to the subject of personal offenses, quarrels, and lawsuits between members of the congregation. Immediately preceding his instruction concerning personal offenses, Paul instructed the church about church discipline and excommunication. Church discipline was to be practiced when a so-called brother…
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Stop Giving Today
This morning we are talking about money. It’s not because I have to. Last week, our elders looked at the church financial statement. We are in a healthy place. The opportunity I have to talk about money during a season of financial health is great. I don’t have to reprimand the body for not giving…
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Every Believer’s Job: plain and simple
Every leader on this earth has one thing in common. Our places of service may very. Some are pastors, some managers, some school teachers, some students and some youth or children. Some wash dishes and some lead nations. Our talents and skills will be different We have artists and athletes and administrators and speakers and…