Paul tells us that when the good news changes us, we are sent out with God’s power to tell the gospel to others. It’s the impulse of the Spirit at work in us. We are sent out as ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, Paul writes: “[God] reconciled us to himself through …
Continue...On Tuesday, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States signed a diplomatic pact known as the “Abraham Accords Peace Agreement.” Additionally, Israel and the UAE signed a separate agreement to establish diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Last week the U.S., Bahrain, and Israel issued a joint statement announcing full …
Continue...Over the weekend, news broke that two law enforcement officers in Los Angeles were targeted, seemingly at random, as a gunman ran up to their parked vehicle and opened fire. Sustaining life-threatening injuries, the two officers were transported to a nearby hospital. And following the shooting, reports surfaced that a crowd of protestors had gathered …
Continue...During pre-COVID-19 times, raising funds to go on international mission trips has been popular in America’s culture of Christianity, and rightfully so. But there are mission fields that are often neglected within our own country, in neighborhoods that surround us. This isn’t news to many. But one of those types of fields may be surprising: …
Continue...In January, the International Mission Board appointed Somer Nowak to the newly created role of prevention and response administrator. This appointment was an important step for the IMB in caring well for survivors, protecting those in their care, and holding perpetrators accountable. I had the opportunity recently to speak with Nowak and hear her passion …
Continue...Bullying. Harassment. Violent behavior. Hate crimes Intimidation and threats. Intolerance. Feeling less safe in public places. Discrimination and unfair treatment. Less community engagement. Feelings of isolation and loneliness. These are the top 10 consequences of incivility, according to a survey taken last year on civility in America. The survey also found that 68% of Americans …
Continue...I’ll never forget my 30th birthday because that was the Sunday one of our pastors addressed the “coronavirus” for the first time. I remember where my wife and I were sitting. I remember how ominous it all felt because I read too much news and was already pandemic panicked. But I also remember the graceful …
Continue...In the midst of 2020, listening to someone extol the virtues of civility brings to mind images of Don Quixote tilting at windmills. In the best of times, we’re still residents of a fallen world under the curse of sin. But in addition to the usual consequences of sin that encumber our lives, this year …
Continue...I visibly cringe every time the word “civility” is used around me. I hate it. On the face of it, “civility” is one of those things that everyone supports—like “patriotism” or “family” or “honor.” But our civility is often limited to whether or not we agree with the other person. As a follower of Jesus …
Continue...“Oh my word! I cannot believe these people. What a joke.” I was watching our local school board meeting online this summer, struggling to understand the things being said and decisions being made. Had I taken a minute to think it through from other perspectives, I probably could have seen why they were saying the …
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