Perhaps you have noticed that our world runs on accusation. As distasteful as that reality is to everyone, we certainly act as though we know we need it. We accept it as a part of life, as a necessary evil. We use it for crowd control, we use it to direct kindergartners toward useful and …
Tell Him to Quit It
Jesus is always the one who surprises. We think we know what piety and devotion are . . . until Jesus tells us to do the opposite. “Then said he unto the disciples, ‘It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that …
Heh
A More Excellent Way
INTRODUCTION: We are continuing to consider the problems posed by desire, envy, competition, and ambition. We have now come to competition, something dear to the heart of most Americans. But because of this we must guard our step. You have heard many times that we must repent of our virtues, and this subject is a …
That’s My Story, And I’m Sticking to It
“And through their arguing, the thing gets down into their spirits before it is thoroughly examined and understood. And once it gets down there, then it must be maintained” (Burroughs, Irenicum, p. 421).
Look Before You Leap
“Perhaps you have some ministers or others come to your table, and they tell you a tale of such and such. Your heart is hot presently, but do you understand the matter? You begin to make a stir, but can you give an account of it? Be silent, forbear, and take heed of what you …
Hope Not
“Consider what account we can give to Jesus Christ of all our divisions. When Christ shall come, will you stand before Him with scratched faces, with black and blue eyes?” (Irenicum, Burroughs, p. 401).
Never Act Like God’s Fellowship Standards are Too Low
“Take heed you do not reject any from being your brother whom Jesus Christ, at the great day, will own as His, and whom God the Father will call His child” (Burroughs, Irenicum, p. 391).
So It’s Division You Want?
Speaking of Matt. 24:49-51: “That evil servant who began to smite his fellow servants provoked his lord against him so as to come upon him with such severity as to cut him asunder and to appoint his portion with the hypocrites. He will ‘dichotomize’ him, divide him in two. He, by smiting his fellow servants, …
The Hidden Wellspring of Disputes
“When Saul had made great breaches between God and his soul and in his own conscience, then he grew to be of a very froward spirit towards every man. Before his apostasy he was a of very meek and quiet spirit, but this soured his spirit and made it grow harsh, rugged, and cruel. This …