One of the qualities of counterfeit "brethren" is that you always sense their relationship/friendship/love they claim for us is tentative. You may not really be able to verbalize it right away, but you feel it. There is always an "if." If you say the wrong thing...then. If you do something....then.…
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Our friends the Austins at graphicspaces.com created this poster for me. We have it on the wall now at Christ Reformation Church where it is a great reminder of this certain promise of God. You can order one (free shipping) from them at - https://www.graphicspaces.com/pages/our-story-history
Read MoreRom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.1Th 5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.1Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil…
Read More1Co 4:3-6 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. (4) For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the…
Read MoreMat 23:1-3 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, (2) “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, (3) so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. Have you ever read these words…
Read MoreI continue to hammer on this business of abuse as grounds for divorce because frankly I see it as the non-negotiable issue in this battle against abuse and abusers hiding in the church and being enabled by pastors and Christians. As long as anyone refuses to acknowledge that a victim…
Read MoreGood people never pretend to be evil, but evil people pretend to be good. Sheep don’t wear wolves’ clothing. In the beginning, when abuse still had me in the fog and I was a new pastor (the fog can last for years!) I used to think that the many abusers…
Read MoreOne of our good friends, knowledgeable about evil and the wickedness of abuse, wrote the following excellent essay. It deals with this common business of people telling us that we need to endure suffering in order to save our oppressor. The scripture she examines is 2 Corinthians 5:21. Many thanks…
Read MoreRom 16:17-18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (18) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they…
Read MoreRom 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (20) To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so…
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