Author | Vagabond Preacher | Lover of the Poor | Grandpa
Roman centurions had clout––and plenty! But not many were accused of an overabundance of compassion. Sanctioned by the most powerful empire on earth, wherever they roamed, they wielded the limitless authority of Rome. The Jews and all other occupied lands lived under the thumb of the state and in fear of the army’s oft-capricious tactics. …
Continue reading "An Uncommon Combination of Clout and Compassion (Part 1 of 2)"
Here we are finally in the last chapter of James making a slow descent toward the runway to land this thing. We’ll be taking just the first half of chapter 5 today and finishing up next time. As I’ve been saying all along, James’ letter addresses and undresses classism, the idea and lifestyle that one …
Continue reading "James on Justice (An Appeal for Classless Christianity) James 5:1-6"
We’re talking about how John the Baptizer sized up the legitimacy of one’s repentance. Hip deep in the river he preached, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance!” When three different groups of people came for baptism John gave each of them a litmus test to assess whether or not they’re ready for Messiah’s kingship. First, …
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