This issue includes four articles written as part of the annual scholarship contest; two written by aspiring ministers, and two by young people studying to be teachers. The writing prompt that all four authors chose was as follows: In the New Testament Paul often refers to himself as God’s servant, or slave. What does it […]
How will you die? Will you die well? “What silly questions to ask,” you say. And then you lose a loved one. Tragically. Or you receive the doctor’s report that you will not live as long as you expected, and your life comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly. Now you are forced to think about […]
“Paul, a [slave] of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” Though our King James Version uses the word “servant” rather than “slave,” that is how we can read the apostle Paul’s introduction of himself in the opening verse of his letter to the Romans. Paul, the great preacher, […]
It is likely that there are few people who would be content upon being sold into slavery. For many, the very term “slave” immediately produces images of prejudice and horrific violence. Even more offensive to our selfish hearts is the implication of total subordination to another. To be a slave is to forget about one’s […]
The image of a slave contrived in the minds of many today is that of a filthy and dehumanized creature, forced to do the bidding of his or her master. Why is a picture like this ingrained upon the recesses of our brains in such a derogatory way? The simple truth is that it originates […]
October 8 Read Micah 4 After prophesying in chapter three about the terrible judgment that was going to come upon the wicked, corrupt leaders of the nation, here Micah shifts his focus to the glorious kingdom that will be established for God’s people when Jesus comes again. In this glorious kingdom, everyone will know the […]
Gnarled, twisted, writhing snake, Snow-shod ‘neath a winter sky, Putting on the feathery flake, Only then to lay it bye. Standing bleak and bare, alone – Leaves have drifted to the ground; Cheerful, chirping birds have flown; The howling wind’s the only sound. Stalwart, staunch, and strong it stands ‘Neath the vaulted roof of sky. […]
Planning for a national synod had begun early in 1618, even before Prince Maurice called for a synod. Because the church and state were tied together in the Netherlands, the churches in the Netherlands couldn’t call a synod themselves. Only the government, Prince Maurice, could call one. Representatives from all the provinces of the Netherlands […]