sin (115)

Ian

Fairly Cruci-Formed

Psalm 30; Lamentations 3:22–33; Mark 5:21–43; 2 Corinthians 8:7–15 Grace. Unmerited favor. Overwhelming love. Not words that would usually be associated with Lamentations. With the content of Lamentations being a result of the fall of Israel (and in particular, Jerusalem), it is peculiar to think…

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Ian

Defining Justice

Psalm 52; Jeremiah 21:11–14; Revelation 21:22–22:5 “This then is how you should live, begin your morning by administering justice. All those who know and follow the will of God will rescue people from their oppressor, particularly for those whose God promised gift has been stolen…

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Ian

Sighting Evil

Psalm 74; 1 Samuel 16:14–23; Revelation 20:1–6 Evil spirits or the “spirit of evil” has a presence in human culture throughout the ages. Even for those who have no deistic belief, there is an understanding that something is completely evil. There was nothing positive about…

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Ian

Just Breathe

Psalm 104:24–34; Ezekiel 37:1–14; John 20:19–23 In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, there is a simple practice performed by many, where they say, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God…” while breathing in and then “…have mercy on me, a sinner," while exhaling. The Jesus Prayer (as…

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Ian

Little Pieces Together

Psalm 104:24–35; Joel 2:18–29; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 Before churches had stained glass, there were two ways the church would decorate and—more importantly—tell the stories of the Bible (and the church) in pictures. The first was primarily on the wall and ceilings, and that was paintings.

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