Two Types of Earthquakes
On one hand, there is no comparing a figurative seismic political shift with the literal devastation of seismic earthquake. The latter is often (including in this case) marked by significant loss of life and property while the former impacts mostly matters of governance.
Two
The truth is there are always two paths and two choices. But only one leads to life eternal and abundant. My friend, there are always two. But choose the one that leads to life!
What to Teach Your Kids - Part One
As a dad, there are both hard and soft skills that you should be handing down to your kids as they grow into adulthood. Taking intentional time to teach these skills to your kids will give them a vital head start as they enter adulthood.
Border Stampede
Alongside the often-heated debate about immigration policy is a human dynamic that should be unifying for all Jesus followers. Every person was created and intended to be free (Gal. 5:1a). This is far more than the freedom we often think about from a political or governing perspective, though those elements of physical freedom can be an important part of an overarching freedom. Every person made in the image of the Creator is endowed with an instinct to be free. Every person’s primary purpose is bringing glory to the almighty God (Is. 43:21).
Phase Two
Israel and Hamas are moving haltingly toward Phase Two of the ceasefire first announced last October—a ceasefire that has been as much fire as cease to this point. This week, Hamas again agreed to disarm if several conditions are met. Those conditions include Israel’s full withdraw from Gaza, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the creation of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes. It is a stalemate similar to previous roadblocks, and regional confidence that Phase Two will hold is low.
Article Five
The misery and grief of war was again on full display in this attack. Ten people, including at least three children, were killed in Ukraine by the bombings, and more than 50 were injured. It is an all-too-common reality of the ongoing war, as civilian casualties and injuries continue to climb.
Flawed Faith
Matthew 5:48 gives what is an impossible command if left to our own devices: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” None of us can meet that standard. It is why, while we should model godliness for our children, it is essential we are crystal clear with them that the way they should go is not simply one of replicating their parent’s flawed faith. The path from which they should not depart is the one that leads them personally to the foot of the cross!
Ebola Has Spread
It has been a relentless decade of disease and violence for the people of Congo. The current outbreak is in the headlines because of its urgency in the moment, but in reality, the people of Congo have had one life-threatening emergency after another. They have been living in a state of emergency for far too long, and our community stands with them in prayer this week.
Spurgeon on Doctrine - Baptism
For Spurgeon, baptism is the command of Christ. A command that should not be trifled with or ignored. While he acknowledges that there are a few who disagree with it as a literal act, it can generally be held that baptism is an expected part of the Christian faith. He breaks the doctrine of baptism into several parts. Here is an outline of what he taught.
Religious Freedom in the West Faces Renewed Opposition
Is the West’s commitment to religious freedom under threat? Several recent cases implicating Christians provide an affirmative answer to that question.
Wildfires on Both Sides of the Atlantic
This week, let’s lift our eyes off ourselves and set them first and foremost on the “author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). Let us then focus our prayer and petitions on behalf of those feeling the firsthand impact of fires on both sides of the Atlantic.
Escape from the Sandbox
The rapid acceleration of AI leads to stories like this one that read like science fiction. It also leaves many uncertain about how to prepare for a world infused with AI—a world that is already upon us in many ways.
Rage War
The rage war is everywhere. But it is not yours to wage. It is peace that guards you.
Destructive Attitudes in Marriage
Marriage is hard. It’s hard when everything seems to be going well and things are good. It’s harder when things aren’t quote clicking on all cylinders like we would want it to be. Take a look at these attitudes and see if any of them are a part of your thinking.
Seventh’s Time a Charm
The God of the universe—the one who made and commands it all—has invited you into His forever story. Your time on the Earth is short for now, but He is making all things new (Rev. 21:5) and there is nothing you can do to be separated from His love (Rom. 8:38-39).
Then There Was Spain
We as The Equipped family have had a regular conversation about how to use the World Cup to reach the nations for Jesus. Now, as teams and fans return to their respective home countries, let us reflect across all our varied nationalities on the ways in which we should carry out our common call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
Smoke and Tariffs
The smoke from raging Canadian wildfires covered large portions of the U.S. this week, with major cities including Chicago, Washington, DC, and New York City significantly impacted. The smoke was at times thick enough to shroud the skyline and dramatically reduce air quality, which led to many cancellations of outdoor events.
More Grace Than Cost
“I look at my life and I see more grace than cost, more gift than sacrifice.”
Three Things Every Group Needs
There are three things, by whatever name you call them, that a group must have to be successful. Every other aspect of the group dynamic can fall underneath one of these three areas.
The Supreme Court Restores the President’s Executive Power by Overruling Humphrey’s Executor
The Trump v. Slaughter case marks the collapse of Humphrey’s Executor precedent and re-establishes executive power, meaning that all principal officers who exercise executive power must remain removable by the President even if the statutory language under which such officers were appointed granted them protection against termination. The power to terminate or remove, residing in the President of the United States, constitutes an indispensable mechanism of presidential supervision and democratic accountability.