The American Civil War, like all wars, was a brutal one. More Americans died in it than in all the wars our country has been involved in from that time forward, up through the Korean War. That is hard to believe, isn’t it? All we have to do to confirm it is to consult the historical record. 623,000 American lives were lost in the war between the states. How does that make any sense, given the far greater destructiveness of the weapons used in the ensuing century with its rapidly evolving … [Read more...] about Anger
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Our True Citizenship
In the aftermath of an emotionally charged political election in the United States, it is a good time to reflect on the great truth God has shared with His people. God informs us that our citizenship is not of this earth. As future citizens of God’s Kingdom, we wait for Christ to return and establish that kingdom over all nations and people (Philippians 3:20-21). Our attention and focus are on Christ, the savior of mankind. During His ministry, Jesus Christ not only proclaimed the coming … [Read more...] about Our True Citizenship
Our Brother’s Keeper
The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satan’s influence, covering sin and restoring a relationship between the Father and mankind, ultimately reaching out to the entire creation. Have we stopped to consider what our role is in this restorative process? Exodus 32 tells the familiar story of Israel’s rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and God’s anger. But let’s look closely at the reaction of Moses, after God states His intention to destroy the Israelites and offers to make an entire … [Read more...] about Our Brother’s Keeper
Counting the Cost
In a recent conversation, someone was reminiscing about their baptism and remembered that at the time they thought they had counted the cost but in the years that followed realized they hadn’t known what that cost was going to involve. Most of us have gone through difficult times within the Church and faced situations and decisions that we could never have anticipated at the time we were baptized. Counting the cost is a principle stated by Christ during His ministry. “For which of you, … [Read more...] about Counting the Cost
Semper Fi
One of the central themes found in the bible is that of faithfulness. There is a Latin term that has been adopted by many groups and entities to convey the importance of faithfulness. The term is Semper Fidelis, which means “always faithful” or “always loyal.” A shortened version has been adopted by the United States Marine Corp as its motto, simply - Semper Fi. However, there is not a group that this term applies to more than the Church of God. The following three observations will keep … [Read more...] about Semper Fi
Avoiding Spiritual Shipwreck
On March 23, 1989, the colossal oil tanker Exxon Valdez, carrying 54 million gallons of Alaskan North Slope crude oil, prepared for its journey south to California. In the course of 8,700 previous voyages, heavily laden oil tankers had safely made this same journey out of Prince William Sound. Surely the crew of Exxon Valdez would do the same. Sometimes I find it helpful to take events like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, pull them apart, tease them in my mind, and see what spiritual lessons … [Read more...] about Avoiding Spiritual Shipwreck
The Spiritual Olympics
Every four years we see the best athletes from around the world come together to compete against each other in what is known as the Olympic Games. Athletic prowess can be used to highlight our approach to spiritual development. The Apostle Paul certainly appeared to have been well acquainted with athletic achievement. The Olympic Games were established well before Paul’s time, so maybe due to his travels and familiarity with the area of Greece he was aware of the games being held in … [Read more...] about The Spiritual Olympics