|
|
"Christ's Charge to Peter" by Raphael, 1515.
|
|
“Jesus Is Not Ashamed of Those Who Still Sin: The Story of Peter” - Erik Raymond, Crossway
“But we have to remember that Jesus actually came into the world to bring those who are alienated to God. He brings us to God. And that's not only the case for those who are outside of Christ—that he saves us—but also those who are in Christ, his people. He continues with us. He's not going to cast us off. I like to say that when Jesus purchased us, he knew what he was purchasing. He didn't keep the receipt like he's going to return us if we're not good. He knew exactly who we were.”
Peter is the perfect example of this point. Despite his initial bravado, Peter blows it; he flees the garden, denies Jesus, and swore he’d never known him. But after Jesus rose from the dead, he restored him and sent him out to spread the Gospel to the nations. Jesus is not afraid of our sin; he paid for it so that we can come to him, be forgiven, and be sent out to spread the news.
“Juneteenth Shows America at Its Best” - Dean Nelson, World Opinions
It’s hard to cut through the politics in today’s culture. Everything seems to be a win for someone and a loss for someone else. If you support something another political group is excited about it might be a gotcha moment. But as Christians, we want to support what’s right, no matter who that groups us with, and Juneteenth is something worth celebrating.
On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln’s order of emancipation went into effect. Slaves in the southern states were free! However, that news did not reach the slaves immediately. It was not until June 19, 1865, that word reached the slaves in Galveston, Texas. General Gordon Granger carried this order to the last group to hear the news, “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection therefore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
“Time for the Church to ‘Go’” - Thom Rainer, Outreach Magazine
Many churches are built to bring people in, but are they sending people out? Thom Rainer offers a new paradigm for church growth and discipleship based on the Great Commission, “Most of our congregations were structured to get people to come to our churches. But the Bible is clear that our mandate is to go to them.” What we do on Sundays can’t stop there. We’re the ones who have to go evangelize and make disciples.
“China’s Military Expansion Is Reaching a Dangerous Tipping Point” - Josh Rogin, Washington Post
If you’re following relations between China and the U.S., you’ll remember that the first two meetings between China and Biden admin officials were a bit frosty. Josh Rogin reports that after last week’s Shangri-La Dialogue, tensions are continuing to mount between the world’s two superpowers. China has watched the U.S. deal with Ukraine and they’ve learned a few lessons. John C. Aquilino, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said China’s military build-up is one of the largest in history. They will pass the U.S. for power in Asia in the next 6 years. With the new hypersonic missile technology they tested last year, they will be able to use nuclear blackmail to keep the U.S. from interfering in an invasion of Taiwan. Rogin advises the U.S. to increase funding to the military, speed up production, and get serious about China’s geopolitical plans.
Writing for the Atlantic Council, Frederick Kempe, highlights the weakness in Xi Jinping’s position; “Xi’s economy is dangerously slowing, financing for his Belt and Road Initiative has tanked, his zero-Covid policy is flailing, and his continued support of Russian President Vladimir Putin hangs like a cloud over his claim of being the world’s premier national-sovereignty champion as Russia’s war on Ukraine grinds on.”
Read more in his article, “President Xi’s Damage Control Focuses on Europe and the Chinese Economy.”
“Prosecute Trump? Put Yourself in Merrick Garland’s Shoes” - Jack Goldsmith, The New York Times
Regardless of what anyone might think about the Jan. 6 hearings, conversations about whether to indict former president Trump are alive and well in the Biden administration and in democratic congressional leadership. Jack Goldsmith offers a wise and even look at the factors Garland may consider and the numerous consequences that may result. Here are the three questions Goldsmith poses; First, is he the person to make the decision to indict? Second, does he have enough evidence? And third, is the national interest served by indicting the former president?
Although everything is amplified in our current discourse, this decision does feel like a turning point in the life of our country. Both political parties are now calling for the indictment of their political opponents. If they deserve to go to jail, that’s a terrible sign for who’s running our country. If they don’t, it’s a terrible sign for the level of politicization and the ruthlessness of the divisions in America. There is no way for Garland to make a good decision on this point. The Jan. 6 hearings already look brazenly political. They should have done this investigation during the second impeachment. Everyone should read Goldsmith’s column, consider the issues he raises, and step back for a moment to realize what we’re actually talking about: the sitting administration indicting the leader of the opposing party. Let’s pray first for de-escalation on every side and a return of wisdom and character to American leadership.
|
|
|
|
