All posts tagged: Resolutions

Do not let your good intensions grow stale

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But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:7-9 ESV) The church in Corinth was a very dynamic yet dysfunctional church. They were experiencing the supernatural workings of God, and excelling in their ability to channel those supernatural workings of God to the benefit of the entire community. They had: 1. Faith to move mountains 2. Speech like the tongues of men and of angels, gifts of prophecy, 3. Knowledge to understand all mysteries 4. Earnestness to surrender their lives as martyrs for the kingdom At some time, they had made pledges to support the church in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, they …

Refreshing Times of Reconciliation

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This short epistle (letter) written by Paul to Philemon has one of the most powerful messages on conflict resolution in the bible. This story is not only a powerful demonstration of the gospel to transform lives (“formerly he was useless” but “now he is indeed useful,” v. 11), but also a demonstration of the powerful impact the gospel can have on human relationships as well (receive him “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother,” v. 16). Apparently during Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus, Philemon heard the gospel and was saved. He began serving the cause of Christ in the Colossian community, opening his home for a group of Christians to meet there regularly. At some point, Onesimus, one of Philemon’s slaves, fled to Rome, possibly having stolen money (or property) from Philemon and now a fugitive. Onesimus somehow came into contact with the apostle Paul and became a Christian. As he grew in Christ, he spent much time and effort helping Paul, who was severely constrained by his imprisonment. Paul thus wrote this letter as an appeal to Philemon to appreciate …

What makes women beautiful and attractive?

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It was a little shocking to discover that in the 30s and 40s both men and especially women were encouraged to gain weight in order to achieve beauty and physical perfection. If you were heavier and not skinny, you were seeing as beautiful and most likely to get the part, go on dates and become the star. Check out these ads from the 30s and 40s… In our world today the same lie is being told to our wives, sisters and daughters, but this time the opposite. They are being told that, in order for them to achieve happiness, reach bodily perfection and beauty, they have to starve themselves striving for size zero. But our culture was wrong in the 30s and 40s and still is today. Even though it is very good to take care of oneself, through, exercise and eating healthy, there is something else missing that our culture doesn’t tell us much about. Here it is: Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold …