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2014–Time for a Respectful Compelling Christian Voice
In 2013 too many Christians and conservatives have asserted their views with well-meaning but hostile, combative rhetoric. I've engaged in some myself as I observe my Christian heritage slipping away. But I'm praying that in 2014 new Christian voices will be characterized by a more respectful, compelling style that invites engagement, even when we disagree. Will a different communication style woo desperate people to Christ in the long run? I believe it will. I'm not advocating that we abandon our principles. In fact, I believe we need to stop trying to be so relevant and begin living a lifestyle that looks radically different from our neighbors. But that lifestyle…
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Samaritan Woman: Stay Away from Me?
I received a question this week from a former student, Vernita, about the Samaritan woman, whose story John records in the fourth chapter of his Gospel. Vernita: I'm looking for any credible historical data to support the statements I've read in some commentaries which suggest the Samaritan woman was an outcast in her society and came to the well later in the day than most women in order to avoid the scorn of that crowd. Are you aware of any writings that specifically and definitively state that, or would that be speculation based on what we know about that society? Me: English translations tell us, "It was about noon" (Jn.…
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Part VI: The Lord of the Scroll – Salvation
Let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the implications of our story so far. Selah (3) We will begin with the end in mind. Question: What happens to a human today when they die? Answer: They will either go to Heaven if they have a covenant (think eternal contract) with God, else they go to Hell due to having a covenant with Satan. Why? Because all humans (both male and female) conceived with male DNA are born into a Covenant of Death with Satan. A covenant that was legally activated and binding when a person knowingly and willingly commits their first sin (i.e., their first act of rebellion…