The Greatest Commandment - Matthew and Mark

The problem of hating people of color

The problem of hating people of color

The problem of ...

Do you know what’s the problem of hating people of color?  Well, one of many, actually.  So, so many.  But if you’re a regular here, you should know what’s going on with that question.  In “the problem of …” articles, I often write about things that might keep someone who claims to be Christian from entering Heaven.  On this site, that generally means things we love so much here on earth that we’d rather try to hang on to them than go to Heaven.  But this one’s the other way around.

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The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment

The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment

A look at ourselves

Which is more important to Christians?  The first amendment versus the Greatest Commandment?  Let me rephrase that.  Which should be more important?  It’s the Greatest Commandment, isn’t it?  Or did I miss something?

I’m asking because of something that’s happening now.  Just one example is in a recent CBS News headline:

Pastor holds services despite virus ban, citing 1st Amendment

It’s shocking.  As a Christian, it’s also very disappointing.  I get it – churches want to meet.  But what happened to the Greatest Commandment?

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See the plank in your own eye

See the plank in your own eye

A look at ourselves

Open your eyes.  Take the plank out of your own eye.  Really see with them.  The way Jesus said we need to see.  Then ask, where is my treasure?  Is it in Heaven or on earth?  ‘Cause if it’s on earth, you’re on the path to Hell.  You know – the path of the blind?  

Please, don’t be so devote to someone – anyone – who’d so devoted to things not from God that you lose sight of when you also become so devoted to the dark that you end up on the wrong path.

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Suffering for doing good

Suffering for doing good

A look at ourselves

If you’ve got that feeling to do good things, even with the potential cost to you, with no ulterior motives, with nothing but unselfish love for someone like your elderly neighbors that you’re shopping for, why not acknowledge that’s God?  Jesus told us He’d try to get our attention.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Why not open that door and start bringing an end to the suffering for doing good?

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A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong?

A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong?

Bible Study, Topical Bible Study

Here’s a question for Christians.  Are you a light on a hill? Or a noisy gong?  Or are you just wondering why I’m asking?  It is a legitimate question.   We’re supposed to be “making disciples”.  But how?  Are we supposed to beat people over the head until they finally give in?  I know that’s been done.  Is still being done.  But is it what Jesus asked for? 

The same can be asked of any “in your face” approach to making people become Christians.  The thing about “making disciples” is that Jesus said a whole lot more than just “go do it!”.  He taught us how.  He was a living example of how to do it.  But do we pay attention to that part?  

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Trump religious freedom initiative

Trump’s New Religious Freedom Initiatives – what do they mean?

Politics, government, religion and God

Trump Announces New Religious Freedom Initiatives.  And Evangelical leaders cheer.  But let’s be honest.  Exactly what do those religious freedom initiatives accomplish?  Oh yeah – businesses are going to be involved too.  Huh?  “Freedom of religion and belief can contribute to a rich pluralism that is itself associated with economic growth.”  Again – Huh?  And since the announcement was at the United Nations, they chimed in as well.  “The UN secretary-general António Guterres, seated to Trump’s right, thanked the President for his focus on religious freedom and praised the recent efforts of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayyib, to promote religious peace and fraternity. He announced two new UN initiatives to support religious freedom—a strategy against hate speech and an action plan to protect houses of worship.”  One more time – Huh?

I’m sorry but, is that what religion is really about?  Pluralism, a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist?  Really?  Contributing to economic growth?  Really?  Religious fraternity?  Really?  

Any Christian should be asking, what happened to salvation? 

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Are there gun people in Heaven?

Are there gun people in Heaven?

Politics, government, religion and God

Are there gun people in Heaven?  You know – people who are really, really into guns?  A while back, I asked a similar question – Are the guns in Heaven?  And then there’s, Are there assault weapons in Heaven?  Asking if there are gun people in Heaven seems like a logical next question.

First off, by “gun people” I mean people who are really, really in favor of people having guns.  Someone like Meghan McCain, who recently said, “I’m not living without guns.  It’s just that simple.”

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Christians don't want power

Do Christians want power?

American Theology is mixed up

Do Christians want power?  What kind of question is that?  Look around.  Of course Christians want power.  Check out the Republican Party.  Witness the strange almost worship-like adoration of Donald Trump by so many Evangelical Christians.  They want power.  So why does Scot McKnight say Christians don’t want power?  And why is he right?  How, in the face of all we see, can McKnight possibly be correct when he says Christians don’t want power?

Actually, both statements are correct – Christians do want power.  But also don’t want power.  It’s not really a question of whether or not Christians want power.  It’s a question of what do we mean by power.

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