Pastors Pen
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“Believers, too, are Voters”
On April 1st, 2025, Wisconsin voters went to the polls for a State Supreme Court election, and voted by 55 to 45% to keep the judicial status quo— that being, a progressive majority on the State’s highest court. It was, according to statistics published since,...
“Powerful Life Lessons in Popular Culture”
Do you recall that significant moment when, in the Peter Jackson finale ofJ.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Frodo fails to throw the Ring of Powerinto the lava flows of Mount Doom, and instead takes it for himself?Viewers seemed to linger almost torturously on that...
“A Case Study in Open-Eyed Justice” 02-08-2024
[Image: Virginia City Justice Statue: Glen Franco Simmons] On the second floor above the main doors of the Courthouse in Virginia City, Nevada, stands a rather unusual statue. While not utterly unique, according to some sources, the figure is one of only about 20...
Observation on Grace and Cancellation
(Image credit: Alamy) The recent experiences of Bay Community Church— with a local newspaper speculating about church “hatred” in its headline, and then assuming its speculation is factual by the time the article was half-way through— is a curious indication of the...
“Unreasonable Reasonable Limits”
Christians often grapple with the degree to which they should be invested in the general culture and political climate. As near as I can determine, no Biblical formula exists. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit, and prayerfully move as He directs. In point of...
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time, there was a Fortune 500 CEO who fell in love with a beautiful company intern. An honourable and handsome man, he had never married because of the ever-increasing demands of the business that he had helped grow since its inception. His employees now...
Word Over Whim
An honest tracing of political evolution through Western history tends to implicate the Bible more than the average citizen realizes. The idea of a national covenant, which informed British constitutionalism, for instance, is a Biblical concept. Even in a more...
“Pentecost— By Necessity!”
Mortals routinely want to transcend themselves, as did the worldly Babylon. By grace, Pentecost allows for it, and the prophet Joel can shed light on how this even becomes possible!
“God Fulfills His Promises”
We make promises that we may or may not be able to fulfill. But God fulfills His promises, provided we are willing to choose to accept them. Speaking Elder: Des Konway.
“Not Giving Way”
Martyrs have something to die for— therefore, their whatever their political weakness or victimization, their worldview translates into strength.
“A Thousand Ways to Grope”
The religious quest is a "shot in the dark". Thankfully, God has revealed and is revealing.
“Summoned to the Net”
Peter wants to go fishing in John 21. Peter is defaulting to his own comfort zone. Jesus, meanwhile, has other plans for Peter, and other assurances for the rest of the disciples that day.
“Disorder and Divine Self-Governance”
There are nuances to the New Testament definition of "self-control" that are well worth exploring for both Church benefit AND society.
“Election Reflection”
The Biblical testimony to King Josiah can help advise us of what the central political problem is these days.
“To Life!”
Sometimes, even in a church structure there remains a contrasting hint of the Life that dwells within it. He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
“The Best Friday”
If we are to be like Christ, then we should join Him— in giving our best. This isn't just Good Friday, it's "Best Friday".
“To Be Like Christ: Forgiving the Betrayal”
Some 3,000 years ago, the Psalm-writer recorded that he was betrayed by a fellow worshiper. Such is the commonality of this experience that we all need to practice forgiveness.
“To Be Like Christ: Called and Willing”
As we continue exploring how we might better resemble Jesus, we come to the important and challenging issue of God's calling upon our lives. Shall we respond like the old Jonah, or the new?
“To Be Like Christ: Willing to Suffer”
The early Church embraced the possibility of meaningful suffering far better than the contemporary Church. For us in North America, it is time we took an honest look at "Adversity Gospel".
“To Be Like Christ: Get Narrow”
In this third installment of some "tough stuff" for Lent, we discover that Jesus not only speaks of Himself as a narrow gate, but also as the narrow way. It is helpful for contemporary and mature believers to perceive how this narrowness is actually appropriate.
“To Be Like Christ: Crucified in Public”
In this second installment of a Lenten series on Christ's example, we expose the necessity of Christian public testimony, and the challenges that, for disciples, will naturally accompany it.
“To Be Like Christ: in Redemptive Exchange”
In this first part of a four-part series, we're exploring aspects of Christ's character that mature followers of Him are intended to replicate. This edition has to do with the Redeemed exemplifying redemption in other ways.