September 2022 |
All text by Zorek Richards
unless otherwise noted |
|
| September 24, 2022 |
God Reports: Afghanistan: Letters from Christians under Taliban rule 9.19.22
Get Religion: DeSantis as 'culture warrior' or theocrat: Coverage depends on a newsroom's worldview The conclusion of the midterm elections in November will mark the unofficial start of the 2024 presidential race. It’s expected to be a very long two years of debates and primaries.
The media spotlight is already firmly on DeSantis, with some seeing him as a GOP option that is as dangerous as former President Donald Trump. What the governor says on the stump will reveal whether the electorate is interested in him as a potential White House occupant. How the mainstream press cover him could reveal itself to be a repeat of what we saw with Trump. 9.20.22
The media spotlight is already firmly on DeSantis, with some seeing him as a GOP option that is as dangerous as former President Donald Trump. What the governor says on the stump will reveal whether the electorate is interested in him as a potential White House occupant. How the mainstream press cover him could reveal itself to be a repeat of what we saw with Trump. 9.20.22
ICON's newest 3D-printed home, “House Zero” is the first in what ICON hopes will be an entirely new genre of homes that are specifically designed to utilize opportunities created by 3D printing. For this initial project in ICON’s “Exploration Series,” the team partnered with the award-winning Texas firm, Lake|Flato Architects, to push the boundaries of resilient and sustainable architecture and design.
Located in East Austin, “House Zero,” was 3D printed by ICON’s next-gen Vulcan construction system and designed by Lake|Flato, known for their sustainable designs. Blending mid-century modernist ranch house aesthetics, the home features an elevated architectural and energy efficient design that highlights the benefits of resiliency and sustainability, with the digital possibilities of additive construction.
| September 23, 2022 |
Baptist News Global: Football coach at center of Supreme Court case hasn’t shown up for the job the court ordered restored to him 9.23.22
September 21,2022:
When Moses learned he was to lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egyptian bondage, his initial reaction was, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Ex. 3:11). But God assured him, “I will be with you” (Ex. 3:12 NLT). The Lord’s divine presence was a key part of Moses’ equipping as a leader. And God’s response to believers today is the same. We can confidently accept the responsibility He gives us—no matter the role—because He has promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). -In Touch Ministries
Christian Courier: Is Your Worship Becoming Disney Church?
"Nothing is more characteristic of evangelical church meetings at the end of the 20th century than their orientation to the consumer, especially the unchurched one. Churches decide what their “market niche” is; they study their “target audience”; they design the services to appeal to the consumer. (World Magazine) 9.21.22
"Nothing is more characteristic of evangelical church meetings at the end of the 20th century than their orientation to the consumer, especially the unchurched one. Churches decide what their “market niche” is; they study their “target audience”; they design the services to appeal to the consumer. (World Magazine) 9.21.22
CBE International: Porn and Patriarchy: A Study in Power 9.7.22
September 20,2022:
Baptist Times: A substitute religion?
This is a brief summary of Romans 13, especially verse 1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except what God has established”.
When we read those words we need to remember that the “governing authorities” in Paul’s world were anything but Jewish or Christian: no, they were pagans who operated by means of a cruel military machine and whose empire, the Roman empire, depended to a large extent on slavery.
9.13.22
This is a brief summary of Romans 13, especially verse 1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except what God has established”.
When we read those words we need to remember that the “governing authorities” in Paul’s world were anything but Jewish or Christian: no, they were pagans who operated by means of a cruel military machine and whose empire, the Roman empire, depended to a large extent on slavery.
9.13.22
Baptist Press: Americans’ theological beliefs changed to suit post-pandemic practice 9.19.22
September 19,2022:
Becoming Christian: As the deer pants for the water – Daily Bible Reading -9.18.22
September 18,2022:
Baptist Messenger: LEATHERWOOD NAMED ERLC PRESIDENT
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) board of trustees named Brent Leatherwood the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) public policy entity in a unanimous vote Tuesday, Sept. 13. 9.14.22
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) board of trustees named Brent Leatherwood the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) public policy entity in a unanimous vote Tuesday, Sept. 13. 9.14.22
Banner: How Refugees Made Me Fall in Love with My Hometown 9.16.22
September 17,2022:
Assertive Spirituality: WHEN (LOAN) FORGIVENESS BECOMES A CONSERVATIVE (CHRISTIAN) DEVIL TERM 8.27.22
Ask Dr Brown: Christian Influence in Society? Yes. A Theocracy? No.
Unfortunately, there are some Christian groups calling for this very thing (although, to be clear, when they talk about the possibility of bloodshed, they mean that their blood might be shed as martyrs for the cause). They are espousing an unhealthy Christian nationalism that merges Christian identity with national identity and wraps the gospel in the American flag. And the most extreme among them would even welcome a theocratic kingdom on earth where religious leaders dictate how the society is governed. 9.17.22
Unfortunately, there are some Christian groups calling for this very thing (although, to be clear, when they talk about the possibility of bloodshed, they mean that their blood might be shed as martyrs for the cause). They are espousing an unhealthy Christian nationalism that merges Christian identity with national identity and wraps the gospel in the American flag. And the most extreme among them would even welcome a theocratic kingdom on earth where religious leaders dictate how the society is governed. 9.17.22
September 16,2022:
September 16, 2022:
Its been quite a few years since I read anything by Cal Thomas, but I came across this one this morning. No date, though, so I dont know how old or new it is:
No greater verse on authority exists in Scripture than what Jesus said about Himself: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). And what did Jesus do with that authority? He ordered us not to lord it over others, but rather to “go therefore and make disciples.” He didn’t ask us to make converts to our point of view, especially our political point of view. He didn’t ask us to organize a band of brothers to take over the government and show those pagans a thing or two (which is what the disciples were hoping Jesus would do with Caesar and his Romans). He didn’t require us to make the world a better place or to enlist in causes.
He said, “Go therefore and make disciples.” That is hard work, but it is the only “work” Jesus asks us to do. Causes are easier, politics may be more fun, but He said to make disciples. Are we under His authority, or our own? You can’t “Yes, but” to Scripture. He said it, or He didn’t say it. And we either obey, or we do not. It is not we who have the authority. It is the Lord. His name is Jesus and His title is “the Christ.” And He has it all. He will share it with no one. The beauty of this is that the more disciples who are made, the greater the influence on society. God does things in opposition to man’s thinking and agenda.
Jesus said if we love Him, we will do what He tells us to do. Do you love Him? Prove it by submitting to His authority.
Its been quite a few years since I read anything by Cal Thomas, but I came across this one this morning. No date, though, so I dont know how old or new it is:
No greater verse on authority exists in Scripture than what Jesus said about Himself: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). And what did Jesus do with that authority? He ordered us not to lord it over others, but rather to “go therefore and make disciples.” He didn’t ask us to make converts to our point of view, especially our political point of view. He didn’t ask us to organize a band of brothers to take over the government and show those pagans a thing or two (which is what the disciples were hoping Jesus would do with Caesar and his Romans). He didn’t require us to make the world a better place or to enlist in causes.
He said, “Go therefore and make disciples.” That is hard work, but it is the only “work” Jesus asks us to do. Causes are easier, politics may be more fun, but He said to make disciples. Are we under His authority, or our own? You can’t “Yes, but” to Scripture. He said it, or He didn’t say it. And we either obey, or we do not. It is not we who have the authority. It is the Lord. His name is Jesus and His title is “the Christ.” And He has it all. He will share it with no one. The beauty of this is that the more disciples who are made, the greater the influence on society. God does things in opposition to man’s thinking and agenda.
Jesus said if we love Him, we will do what He tells us to do. Do you love Him? Prove it by submitting to His authority.
Anglican News: Death of Queen Elizabeth II: Anglican leaders around the world respond to the death of Queen Elizabeth II 9.9.22
April Fiet: The Road To Macedonia Is Paved With Assumptions
They say the road to you-know-where is paved with good intentions. I believe the road to division and separation is paved with assumptions. When we assume things about others, we don’t allow ourselves to remain open and curious. We paint people in a certain light, and we refuse to deviate from our assumptions, even when a mountain of evidence points to the contrary. This certainly could’ve been the way the story in Acts 16 went if Paul refused to talk about Jesus to anyone except a man from Macedonia like in his vision. Instead, he remained open, curious, and motivated by love. 9.16.22
They say the road to you-know-where is paved with good intentions. I believe the road to division and separation is paved with assumptions. When we assume things about others, we don’t allow ourselves to remain open and curious. We paint people in a certain light, and we refuse to deviate from our assumptions, even when a mountain of evidence points to the contrary. This certainly could’ve been the way the story in Acts 16 went if Paul refused to talk about Jesus to anyone except a man from Macedonia like in his vision. Instead, he remained open, curious, and motivated by love. 9.16.22
September 15,2022:
AlterNet: Politico’s new owner invited executives to 'pray' for Donald Trump to be reelected
The CEO of the right-wing German multinational media conglomerate Axel Springer SE, one year before his company sealed the deal to purchase the highly-influential U.S. news brand Politico, sent an email to his top executives before the 2020 election asking if they would like to join him to pray for the re-election of Donald Trump, according to reports. 9.6.22
The CEO of the right-wing German multinational media conglomerate Axel Springer SE, one year before his company sealed the deal to purchase the highly-influential U.S. news brand Politico, sent an email to his top executives before the 2020 election asking if they would like to join him to pray for the re-election of Donald Trump, according to reports. 9.6.22
All Set Free: Conservatives Finally Able To See Color After Trailer For “The Little Mermaid” Released 9.14.22
Aletia: Shia LaBeouf reveals how his mother’s recent death deepened his faith
“Her greatest gift to me was to promote, in her dying, the necessity of a relationship with God. Not an interest, not just a belief, but a relationship built on proof as tangible as a hug. Her last gift to me was the ultimate persuasion for faith. She was a good girl. She was loved by many and known by too few. God bless you, Momma.” -Shia LaBeouf 9.15.22
“Her greatest gift to me was to promote, in her dying, the necessity of a relationship with God. Not an interest, not just a belief, but a relationship built on proof as tangible as a hug. Her last gift to me was the ultimate persuasion for faith. She was a good girl. She was loved by many and known by too few. God bless you, Momma.” -Shia LaBeouf 9.15.22
Alistair's Adversaria: The Death of the Queen and a Christian Understanding of Sovereignty 9.12.22
September 14,2022:
The Alabama Baptist: Rashional Thoughts: Debt forgiveness debate provides opportunity to share Christ “We should not treat the Bible like an enormously thick reference textbook, looking for the singular verse to weaponize against ideological opponents. Taking one single verse to support or protest any modern legislation violates the very character of the Bible.” Roger S. Nam; Religion News Service 8.30.22
agodman: Our Christian Living is Based on the Sense of the Inner Life, not on Right or Wrong 9.14-22
September 13,2022:
A Clay Jar: We Were Bought at a Price 9.10.22
Adrian Warnock: God doesn’t use anybody, so don’t let the Church do so
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. ” (Acts 17:24-25, NLT) 8.14.22
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. ” (Acts 17:24-25, NLT) 8.14.22
ABC Religion & Ethics: “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”: Elizabeth II and the virtues of a Christian monarchy 9.13.22
Hacking Christianity: Punching Down: Behind the Babylon Bee’s practice of Christian Mockery
"There’s a world of difference between mockery and satire. Mockery has a victim. Mockery’s goal is to hurt and wound. Satire is humor with a purpose. And my ultimate purpose is to share the love of Christ. The bottom line is that mockery is a great shortcut to laugh but it removes your ability to speak and love later…My goal is to make this huge mirror that is big enough that we can all look in it and go “hey is that us? Are we okay with that? Is that what love looks like?” 8.16.22
"There’s a world of difference between mockery and satire. Mockery has a victim. Mockery’s goal is to hurt and wound. Satire is humor with a purpose. And my ultimate purpose is to share the love of Christ. The bottom line is that mockery is a great shortcut to laugh but it removes your ability to speak and love later…My goal is to make this huge mirror that is big enough that we can all look in it and go “hey is that us? Are we okay with that? Is that what love looks like?” 8.16.22
When God rewards those who seek Him, it is not with wealth or power or privilege but with the very thing that they were searching for in the first place—Himself.
—Hannah Anderson in Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image, p. 27.
—Hannah Anderson in Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God’s Image, p. 27.
You can kill Nazis, but you cannot kill Nazism. You can kill enemy soldiers, but you do not deal with the spiritual forces behind them. But the weapons which God has given us are mighty! They are invincible, if we will use them. If we are defeated, it is not through a lack of armor. It is through the failure to use it.
In 1 Timothy 2, the apostle Paul says: “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Paul says, if you bypass prayer, you can have all sorts of plans, systems and programs, but you do not have the power to operate them. It is like having a building wired for electricity, but not connected to the generator. Nothing is going to work. -Derek Prince Ministries
In 1 Timothy 2, the apostle Paul says: “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Paul says, if you bypass prayer, you can have all sorts of plans, systems and programs, but you do not have the power to operate them. It is like having a building wired for electricity, but not connected to the generator. Nothing is going to work. -Derek Prince Ministries
September 4, 2022:
Many Christians believe in karma. They may not actually call it that (though some do). Karma, briefly is "destiny or fate, following as effect from cause. Within world religions it is a part of Hindu...or more recently a part of Wicca which professes the belief that whatever you put into the world, good or bad, you will receive back three-fold.
Outside of religion, it seems to be a natural human reaction to the sin and depravity of fellow humans that they will, “get what is coming to them.” This view of justice might appeal to those who have no true insight into the justice of God. The idea that people get what they deserve might make us feel better about the broken world around us and that in the midst of all this, there is hope that at some point, these horrible people might pay for their wrongdoings in this life. I recollect at one point hearing one of my favorite John Lennon's songs called "Instant Karma," which was one of his first solo efforts after the Beatles break up. I remember for a long time thinking he had good insight into important religious points even though he despised religion (which is clearly articulated in the insipid lyrics of "Imagine" that he released a year later). But he really did not. In fact a lot of his songs are an attempt to make sense of out of a world that didn't make sense to him as many people do.
That is, until those people are us.
Karma is a belief in an impersonal cosmic force that dictates one’s life based on their actions. If your life is going well, it can be assumed that you have done mostly good and therefore are receiving the benefit of the cosmic scales of morality being tipped your way. On the other side of the proverbial coin, if your life is going horribly, it can be assumed that you have done something to deserve this and must suffer through it to balance the scales.
Karmic systems reject a biblical view of justice and grace. But, you might ask, what about Galatians 6:7 where Paul writes, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Paul is not indicating here that something like karma is at work, but rather, the language of reaping and sowing found throughout the Bible teaches that there are consequences for our actions just as there are consequences for planting or not planting seed. In Galatians 6, the instruction to sow and reap is in light of Paul’s instruction to share all good things with the teacher of the Word and to be generous within the household of faith. Paul was not saying that there will be great amounts of blessing handed back to those who are generous and great pain to those who do not..
God did not create a world with a system of justice that simply hands out what we deserve. And we all should say a hearty amen on that. The Christian view of justice is that there absolutely is unjust suffering in this broken world, and Christ came to address it. In the face of suffering Christ brings resurrection and redemption, not resignation. In light of this, the follower of Christ must contend with the fleshly desire in each of us to see people “get what they deserve” in this life. Paul confirms that there are consequences to our actions in Galatians 6:8 that “… the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” We must never forsake grace in our dealings with ourselves and one another though, as God has surely rejected the notion that He should give us what we deserve in weighed-out and impartial doses. If God was giving us what we deserve few of us, if any, would likely be here right now.
Grace is the hope for a people that God describes as being dead in their trespasses and strictly unable to do good apart from His working in and through them. A people that, if left to impersonal cosmic scales, would surely measure out condemnation for themselves every time. Instead, in Christ, we are offered that which we do not deserve: Grace in the form of forgiveness and life.
The important takeaway from this for me is that I cannot demand or bargain for grace. I have unwittingly tried. You can't wrestle God or angels for blessings. Grace is entirely in the hands of God and He imparts to whom and where He desires. . After all, it was grace through faith that saved us and nothing by our effort and contingent on the work of Christ (Eph 2:8-9).
Many Christians believe in karma. They may not actually call it that (though some do). Karma, briefly is "destiny or fate, following as effect from cause. Within world religions it is a part of Hindu...or more recently a part of Wicca which professes the belief that whatever you put into the world, good or bad, you will receive back three-fold.
Outside of religion, it seems to be a natural human reaction to the sin and depravity of fellow humans that they will, “get what is coming to them.” This view of justice might appeal to those who have no true insight into the justice of God. The idea that people get what they deserve might make us feel better about the broken world around us and that in the midst of all this, there is hope that at some point, these horrible people might pay for their wrongdoings in this life. I recollect at one point hearing one of my favorite John Lennon's songs called "Instant Karma," which was one of his first solo efforts after the Beatles break up. I remember for a long time thinking he had good insight into important religious points even though he despised religion (which is clearly articulated in the insipid lyrics of "Imagine" that he released a year later). But he really did not. In fact a lot of his songs are an attempt to make sense of out of a world that didn't make sense to him as many people do.
That is, until those people are us.
Karma is a belief in an impersonal cosmic force that dictates one’s life based on their actions. If your life is going well, it can be assumed that you have done mostly good and therefore are receiving the benefit of the cosmic scales of morality being tipped your way. On the other side of the proverbial coin, if your life is going horribly, it can be assumed that you have done something to deserve this and must suffer through it to balance the scales.
Karmic systems reject a biblical view of justice and grace. But, you might ask, what about Galatians 6:7 where Paul writes, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Paul is not indicating here that something like karma is at work, but rather, the language of reaping and sowing found throughout the Bible teaches that there are consequences for our actions just as there are consequences for planting or not planting seed. In Galatians 6, the instruction to sow and reap is in light of Paul’s instruction to share all good things with the teacher of the Word and to be generous within the household of faith. Paul was not saying that there will be great amounts of blessing handed back to those who are generous and great pain to those who do not..
God did not create a world with a system of justice that simply hands out what we deserve. And we all should say a hearty amen on that. The Christian view of justice is that there absolutely is unjust suffering in this broken world, and Christ came to address it. In the face of suffering Christ brings resurrection and redemption, not resignation. In light of this, the follower of Christ must contend with the fleshly desire in each of us to see people “get what they deserve” in this life. Paul confirms that there are consequences to our actions in Galatians 6:8 that “… the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” We must never forsake grace in our dealings with ourselves and one another though, as God has surely rejected the notion that He should give us what we deserve in weighed-out and impartial doses. If God was giving us what we deserve few of us, if any, would likely be here right now.
Grace is the hope for a people that God describes as being dead in their trespasses and strictly unable to do good apart from His working in and through them. A people that, if left to impersonal cosmic scales, would surely measure out condemnation for themselves every time. Instead, in Christ, we are offered that which we do not deserve: Grace in the form of forgiveness and life.
The important takeaway from this for me is that I cannot demand or bargain for grace. I have unwittingly tried. You can't wrestle God or angels for blessings. Grace is entirely in the hands of God and He imparts to whom and where He desires. . After all, it was grace through faith that saved us and nothing by our effort and contingent on the work of Christ (Eph 2:8-9).
Sept 2, 2022: Banner: National Association of Evangelicals Releases Climate Change Report, Expresses Biblical Mandate for Action
The National Association of Evangelicals unveiled a sweeping report Monday, Aug. 29, on global climate change, laying out what its authors call the “biblical basis” for environmental activism to help spur fellow evangelicals to address the planetary environmental crisis. The Christian Reformed Church in North America is a member of the NAE.
The National Association of Evangelicals unveiled a sweeping report Monday, Aug. 29, on global climate change, laying out what its authors call the “biblical basis” for environmental activism to help spur fellow evangelicals to address the planetary environmental crisis. The Christian Reformed Church in North America is a member of the NAE.
