Category: Level: Intermediate

prism light

Moons, Prisms And Social Change

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Recently, some evangelicals have expressed deep disappointment with the impact of the Trump administration on our society. They observe that little has changed, the country has only become more secular and Christians’ hopes for change have been dashed. The Atlantic magazine has a good article about this here. When I look out at all the personal devastation and aimlessness of the majority of American citizens I am greatly saddened. From my youth, I always hoped that American society and its citizens could turn to Jesus and know inner peace and purpose and joy. I went through law school as a Christian, recognizing the blessings of the Christian influence on our legal system. Perhaps this could grow. In those days it seemed that evangelicals had some momentum in society. But short of a huge calamity in America, including economic disaster, it is not realistic to think this will happen anytime in Continue Reading →

racism

Kingdom Attitudes Towards African-Americans.

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American slavery was one of the most dehumanizing brands of slavery in the modern world. English revivalist John Wesley said it was the worst form of slavery that he was aware of after he visited America. This realization eventually generated a strong opposition to slavery by Christians in the northern U.S. After an unbelievably bloody civil war, the slaves were set free and African Americans very quickly became more prosperous in the South and gained positions of influence. Alarmed by this, influential whites in the South began to pass laws to discriminate against African-Americans. These laws came to be known as the Jim Crow laws. They persisted through the 1960’s and their impact is still felt. Obviously, as Christians we are horrified by the way African-Americans have been treated. This has resulted in substantial economic disadvantage. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis provides statistics for this and the Washington Post Continue Reading →

poor children

Our Obligation To Address Inequality In Our Nation

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Even though some people have reacted to George Floyd’s death with criminal acts, and even though some groups have taken advantage of the protests with unethical tactics to further their own cause, the fact remains that economic and racial inequality in America is a disastrous problem. Last February Pew Research released some statistics on economic inequality in America. The findings are here. They reported that the share of all income in America earned by the top 20% of the highest earning families went from 43% in 1968 to 52% in 2018. The share of the highest earning 5% went from 16% to 23%. These numbers represent a substantial increase in the concentration of wealth in the upper class. Meanwhile, the share of income earned by all four of the lower 20% segments of earners declined. The same February report from Pew Research also found: “From 1970 to 2018, the median Continue Reading →

4 seasons change guide

How To Produce Change In Your Organization Or Group (Or Personal Life)

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Are you or your organization trying to making some substantial changes? Are you trying to establish new strategies or goals? Do you need to correct some problems. The following list is a collection of wisdom to help you do this. Perhaps you want to improve the ministry you are involved in. Perhaps your congregation is making some major changes to its ministry. If you follow these guidelines you will be much more likely to achieve your new goals. It is surprising how few organizations have effective guidelines for making changes and then suffer because of it. If we are not intentional about guiding change then it usually does not happen. Many congregations are weak or in decline because of this lack of wisdom. These guidelines can also apply to personal changes you want to make! Guide to Achieving New Goals in an Organization (Or Correcting Problems) Pray and choose to Continue Reading →

steps stages of growth

The Biblical Five-Level Maturity Model – Part 2

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Last week we began a series on the five levels of Christian maturity found in the books of Timothy and Titus. We discussed the first two levels of novice and deacon. The third level of maturity in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 is elder maturity. The traits of elders in 1 Timothy 3 not already mentioned for deacons are: above reproach (have blameless character), self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach, gentle, not quarrelsome, not a recent convert, and have a good reputation with outsiders. Titus 1:6-9 gives us these additional traits: not overbearing (arrogant), not quick-tempered, loves what is good, upright, holy, disciplined, and able to refute those who oppose sound doctrine. We notice that the traits for elder maturity amount to a higher standard of godliness. This maturity level requires blameless character, self-control, gentleness, love of good and holiness. One at this level may slip occasionally, but they consistently Continue Reading →