justice

Human versus Divine Vengeance

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When Abel was murdered, his blood cried out to God for vengeance. Yet God did not kill Cain the murderer but protected him against those who would seek his life. Clearly, God’s idea of vengeance was different from Abel’s. The scriptures contrast human and divine vengeance. One seeks payback and retribution, [...]

Grumble and Die? (James 5:9)

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If you went to Sunday School you probably know that the Israelites grumbled in the wilderness. And you may also know what God did to them when they grumbled. He slaughtered them (see Ps 106:25-26)! “So let this be a lesson to you, children,” says the historically-minded teacher. “You grumble, you die.” [...]

What is Your Dream?

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Fifty years ago today, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave one of the most stirring speeches of all time. His “I have a dream” speech was a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. It captured the sentiment of a nation stumbling towards racial equality and [...]

How to Really Overcome Discouragement: Lessons from the One Who Never Lost Heart

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What do you do when you get discouraged? Maybe you’re discouraged right now. If so, you’ve come to the right place! I’m going to tell you something Jesus said that will set you free. His words are found in a story about a widow whose pleas for justice were being ignored by a bad judge (Lk 18:1-8). In Part 1 [...]

Mixing Grace with Works: It’s Not About the Widow (Luke 18:1-8)

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Most Christians who’ve read Galatians know it’s a bad idea to mix grace with works. Paul wondered of the Galatians: “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (Gal 3:3) Most believers know that we cannot finish with human effort that [...]