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WHEN 'MARANATHA' IS A MEMORY

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WHEN 'MARANATHA' IS A MEMORY

“Increasingly, I find myself deliberately contemplating what kept Jesus on His own cross out of necessity for mine. Scripture says that as He stared down the barrel of His own death—not only a terrible way to die, but bearing the weight of wrath for many—it was “the joy set before Him” that kept Him from cowardice. Anything less than that same obsession will consign us to our own demise at the hands of the “pride of life,” “lust of the flesh,” and “the cares of this world.” So what is it on the other side of the “Maranatha!” cry, when “Maranatha” is a memory that can keep us going? These are the things we should meditate on constantly.

THE WORLD OF OCTOBER 8TH

THE WORLD OF OCTOBER 8TH

"'Where’s the Jews?!' was a hunting call. Frankly, it would’ve been better if they’d simply chanted their support for Hitler. Unable to find the Jews they were looking for, they instead burned tires and an Israeli flag and screamed expletive-laden curses at the victims of the Hamas massacre, high-fiving each other for several hours before going home. This is the world of October 8th."

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A HEAVY STONE // PART I

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A HEAVY STONE // PART I

What does it mean to stand with or against Israel? This is a weighty and nuanced issue. And the consequences are everlasting. We should be eager then to allow Jesus to define what He means by standing with or against Israel.

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PLANTING GARDENS IN BABYLON

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PLANTING GARDENS IN BABYLON

“Sometimes we overthink what this needs to look like, in the same way William Wilberforce very nearly abandoned a strategic and influential political position because he’d elevated the dignity of vocational ministry above any other job. But can you not bear witness while you serve in Congress? Can you not bear witness as a cafe barista? Shouldn’t you though, wherever you are? Surely there are gardens to plant in Babylon.”

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THE MORE IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR LIFE

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THE MORE IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR LIFE

For all of the swirling circumstances of your life, for all the quagmire of global politics, for all tumult of “hopes deferred” and the daily wrestle against the “cares of this life,” the most important thing about your life and mine is that we—right now, today—remember we have a good Father in a good heaven whose good pleasure is to give us a good Kingdom. And: He will give you glimpses of that goodness here and now, in this age.

SURVIVING THIS PRESENT EVIL AGE

SURVIVING THIS PRESENT EVIL AGE

“Deception. Counterfeits. Wars. Near-wars. Geopolitical competitions, military collisions. Clashing crowns. Starving bellies. Failed crops. Pandemics. Raging sicknesses. Unpredictable tectonic shifts. Those are just the ‘beginning of sorrows.’ Then there’s the family betrayal, bloody violations of brotherhood. Offenses will mount, calloused hearts will abound. Disillusionment will ensnare weary hearts with fatigued faith too tired to be saved.” So how, then, are we to survive this present evil age?

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THORNS AND THRESHOLDS

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THORNS AND THRESHOLDS

In the middle of an intense moment of battle and desperation, God commanded Joshua to debilitate his armies. Why is it that God made them weak, instead of simply making them victorious? It serves us well to find the areas where we’re resisting being made meek and lowly—these are the exact areas God wants to put His glory on display in our lives.

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THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH, AND DEATH OF TRIBAL PARTISANSHIP

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THE BRIDE OF CHRIST, THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH, AND DEATH OF TRIBAL PARTISANSHIP

One sure thing must happen to the bride before she can truly call for the Bridegroom: she must be absolutely united in purpose and pure in heart. All lesser agendas and allegiances must be given up. Beloved ones of God, do you see how we can hasten the Day of the Lord?

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SEEING THE SKY: PART II

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SEEING THE SKY: PART II

The Lord is urging us not to be voluntarily ignorant about His return. Not simply because He wants us to ace an eschatological pop quiz, but because our Father wants us to walk in light of His decrees. The nature of His return reveals to us more fully the nature of His character. This is about knowing Jesus better. Those who know Jesus don’t get cut to pieces when He comes back.