Explaining The Inexplicable

Explaining The Inexplicable

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) Sharing the life of Christ with young children is actually much harder than one may think.  The healings, the raisings from the dead and the other miracles are accepted readily enough.  But the rejection, the blind hatred, and the suffering—how to frame that? It’s a serious question and a vitally important one, because every youngster deserves…

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Are You Okay?

Are You Okay?

Those who have taken even a short course in first aid should be familiar with techniques for use when encountering an apparently unconscious person.  One priority is to ascertain whether the individual is responsive to stimuli.  This may be accomplished by gently shaking a shoulder (or tapping the body firmly) and asking, “Are you okay?” or words to that effect.  What to do next is dependent upon the victim.  If there is a reaction, one path is taken; if no reaction is observed, another…

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Recruiting For Christ—The Fine Print

Recruiting For Christ—The Fine Print

“Good morning and welcome to the Christian Recruiting Center.  It’s gratifying to see so many fresh, eager faces—people seeking joy, peace, love and mercy; people hungry for change, adventure, excitement, and a chance to see the world, perhaps…? “Hmm-m?  Yes, that’s definite.  Anyone who truly believes will see the glory of God.  Any other questions before we get started?  Yes?  Did everyone hear the question?”  [Repeats it:] “Is it true that those who serve the Master will get a chance to meet Him?”  Affirmative.  Our God is willing to have a personal…

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Arrested Development

Arrested Development

Detainee 756 was well and truly terrified.  He had been awakened out of a sound sleep by a booming crash, as his front door was kicked in.  Three men burst through the splintered opening and made straight for him, as he rose from his bed and crept down the hall to investigate.  His arms were seized and pinned painfully behind him, while a black hood was forced down over his head.  Before he could protest or ask any questions, he was hustled downstairs to…

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Standing Watch

Standing Watch

Most anyone who has read war novels or seen films with military themes, is familiar with some version of the following scene.  It features a soldier who has drawn guard duty, and hears a noise while on watch, betraying the approach of another person. Sentry: “Halt!  Who goes there?” [The challenge is answered by the potential intruder.] Sentry: “Are you friend or foe?” Intruder: “Friend.” Sentry: “Approach and be recognized.” [Intruder emerges from the shadows and presents himself/herself to the guard.]  Sentry:…

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Both Here & Now and There & Then

Both Here & Now and There & Then

Toddlers are not generally known for their ability to delay gratification.  There is no incentive for them to do so, when a little loud screaming does the trick.  The lack of motivation, may explain the lack of inclination.  The question is, as they grow older (note that I did not say, “as they mature…”) do the adolescents and adults into which they grow, do a good deal better? They should.  Even the least patient among us can see rather steep social downsides to voicing one’s every need…

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Strolling La Strada della Vita

Strolling La Strada della Vita

Advertisers are paid to tout the features and benefits of someone else’s products.  Most folks would concede that their claims are at least occasionally truthful, but even so, their promises are greeted with skepticism.  The lack of trust in marketers stems in part from critics’ and customers’ reviews revealing wide and troubling gaps between what the buyer expected—based on ‘pop-up’ ads, TV commercials and  public relations—and the consumer’s personal experience.  The sales wizards’ more specious claims range in apparent truthfulness from somewhat dubious to clearly…

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The Door Marked, “Christ”

The Door Marked, “Christ”

Doors are everywhere in the modern-day civilized world.  Some are pushed, some pulled, some lifted or lowered, and some are self-operating.  Doors may open (or close) right-to-left, left-to right, upward, downward, inward, outward—they may even revolve.  Some doors open but partway at a time.  Still others slide or pivot and fold.  Some, spring-loaded, pop out of hiding in a wall, with a touch.  Some are equipped with automatic closers. Doors are often fashioned with ‘peepholes,’ in case of a need to know who is on the…

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Mockery Most Mysterious and Malign

Mockery Most Mysterious and Malign

Sometime around the middle of the first century, less than twenty years after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, the Apostle Paul confidently declared that there is an appointed “…day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”  (Romans 2:16) Paul happened to be in ancient Athens when he amplified on this theme, saying that in times past, God made allowance for ignorance of His will, “…but now [that Christ has come], God commandeth all…

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To Wear or Bear

To Wear or Bear

We live in an age in which (as is usual with human beings), beliefs abound while convictions are in short supply—perhaps the shortest ever.  This generation delights in sharing personal information of all kinds, and with virtually everyone, but is especially fond of trumpeting its beliefs.  And for good or ill, this generation has a seemingly limitless array of options for communicating them. Traditional means of viewpoint dissemination, like television and motion pictures, music, books and magazines, billboards, posters, mailings, rallies, protests, activism,…

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