Lookahead:  Perhaps I may need to shed some more light on the "works" term by way of a few empirical reference points.  Reduced to its essence, I believe "works" means good, godly deeds that are meant to help others.  All well and good, but I believe that the potential for probs lies in the true motive … Continue reading Unpacking #20 – Faith or (Over-)Works

Lookahead:  So if we tell a white lie about how many pounds we bench-pressed, do we really deserve to go to hell?  The problem is not picayune v. grandiose sins.  The problem is that we are sinners--and God can't fellowship with sinners, or allow us into His sin-free habitation.  God gave us a way to become 100% clean, … Continue reading Unpacking #19 – The Hell Thing

Lookahead: Since birth I was constantly comparing myself to some imposed standard of perfection--and then driving toward it.  Once Jesus set up residence in my heart, I became perfect in God's eyes. That knowledge gave me incomparable joy!  But I soon discovered that there were always joy-killers out there who would try to interfere and … Continue reading Unpacking #18 – How Would You Like To Be Perfect?

Lookahead: …(She wrote in the open letter,) “I would love to meet with you when circumstances permit. Maybe I will tell you my story, and you will tell me yours. I know we will learn that far more unites us, than divides us. And maybe together, Simone, we will find a way to shine light … Continue reading Unpacking #17 – Just(ice or) Mercy?

Lookahead:   I've also been victimized by family-based favoritism/nepotism; I watched my good rep slowly erode away in a summer internship when I was chosen to "partner" on a project with another intern, who happened to be the company owner's son. At the time, I think I chalked up his attempted bullying to the fact that I … Continue reading Unpacking #16 – God Does Not Have Favorites

Lookahead: If we listen to what the apostles said in Acts 6, they envisioned the required task as "waiting on tables" where the widows sat.  It almost sounds like it was a directive to be "servants of servants."  Also, widows and orphans represented the lowest social classes in ancient Israel.  It is, therefore, my belief … Continue reading Unpacking #15 – Religion or Relationship in the New Year