Robert Smelser
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Christian Ignorance
In Religious Literacy, author Stephen Prothero cites the general lack of ignorance regarding religions in general, and our own experiences among our brothers and sisters can speak to a lack of knowledge of Christianity among those who claim to be Christians. We laugh at the ways children might mix up Biblical stories, but, after a… Continue reading
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A Law Unto Themselves
Sometimes we wonder if there is a double-standard with God based on a couple of passages. One is I Corinthians 5:9-13 as Paul deals within tolerated sin within a congregation. One part of the argument makes it sound like it is okay for some of the world to live one way while Christians are held… Continue reading
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Standing In the Gap
Early in their history, Israel wanted a king, a decision that eventually left to a divided kingdom and a great deal of unfaithfulness. During the reign of the final king if Judah, in Jeremiah 4:14 and 24 the people are described as lacking understanding, as foolish children, Also, in chapter 5:1-5, God gives Jeremiah a… Continue reading
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God’s Plan for Sin
Who is ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death? Often, this question contains political and personal agendas. Some blame the Jews, citing the mob’s call for His death and their claim to bear the responsibility. Others blame Pilate because He was the one to declare the sentence. Many of us say we ourselves are to blame because… Continue reading
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A Bad Case of Pride
Selfishness or pride is really at the center of our problems with following God’s word as we should. In our previous lesson, we looked at how being spiritually mature involves putting others first. Regarding pride, Proverbs 16:18 warns us that it leads to self-destruction, and I Peter 5:5 says that God resists the proud. Certainly,… Continue reading
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Love, Edification, & Unity
Paul worked with congregations like Philippi and congregations like Corinth, some he could work with easily and draw as much encouragement from as he could offer. Others had serious difficulties, both between members of the congregation and scripturally. More often than not, we may find ourselves relating more to Corinth than to Philippi, and, in… Continue reading
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Reflecting the Name We Wear
Names can be fascinating, and, when we name a child, we go through a great deal of preparation and research in the process. We make associations with names, and they mean something to us. What does our name of Christian mean to us? The name literally means that which belongs to or pertains to Christ.… Continue reading
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Being Faithful
We may define “faithfulness” in a few different ways – being full of faith, having a true conviction, being dependable or loyal. In Galatians 5:16, Paul begins speaking of behaviors we should avoid and those we should adopt. In this, in verse 22, he considers faithfulness a fruit of the spirit, a quality we should… Continue reading
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Free Books for Sale
Where I have hallway duty, the media center specialist has been placing library carts of books that are being phased out of the system – free for kids to take and keep. The carts went untouched for a couple of days until one small boy asked me, “What do those books cost?” “Nothing,” I replied.… Continue reading
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Seven Essentials for Congregational Growth
Congregation usually go in one of two directions – either forwards or backwards. Rarely do they successfully stay the same. From a personal perspective, Paul describes his efforts to grow as a Christian in Philippians 4:13-15, and congregations are similar. We either have to continue growing and improving, or we will slide backwards in dwelling… Continue reading
Simply Gospel 