Category: Jim Wallis and Sojourners

Now I Understand Why Reading Sojourner’s Magazine Made Me Feel Slimy

DebbieLynne Kespert1 Comment

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Not long after I graduated from  college in 1977, one of my pastors started teaching Adult Sunday School classes on world hunger and social justice. Several of us fell under his influence, equating socialist politics with Christianity. We justified this equation by pointing to Acts 2:44-45  as a proof-text  supporting our “radical discipleship.”

Like all good radicals, we protested nuclear power plants, boycotted subsidiaries of corporate conglomerates and mourned profusely when Ronald Reagan beat Jimmy Carter. We firmly believed our liberal politics reflected Biblical values.

And we faithfully read Sojourner’s Magazine. I grabbed each issue the moment it hit my mailbox, eagerly flipping to the editorials by Jim Wallis. His writing always assured me that Jesus championed the poor and disenfranchised.

And yet, I always felt a certain discomfort with my so-called Christian socialism. Read More »

Saturday Sampler: January 15–January 21

DebbieLynne Kespert1 Comment

bible-samplerThe cult of Scientology is back in the news. In her compelling blog post, An Unexplored Mission Field, Erin Benziger of Do Not Be Surprised describes how this organization’s basic teachings contradict Biblical Christianity. But she goes further by reminding us what our response should be. Her article, ladies, helps us understand the real purpose and proper use of discernment.

In Don’t Worry Be Godly – Pt 2, Clint Archer of The Cripplegate concludes his series on anxiety. His practical application of Scripture encourages me. I think those of you who struggle with anxiety will appreciate this teaching.

Leslie A. recently had an unpleasant encounter with facial tissue while trying to survive a nasty cold. Her experience results in Velvet Soft, an interesting essay in Growing 4 Life that examines the need for discernment regarding “Christian” books and entertainment. Don’t necessarily assume they’re really Biblical.

Is Sexy a Sin? Candi Finch answers that question in her essay for Biblical Woman.

Speaking of important questions, Jennifer at One Hired Late In The Day asks Do You Consider Yourself A ‘Red Letter’ Christian? She explains what that term means and why it’s unbiblical.

Including a lesson on understanding Scripture verses in context, Rachel at danielthree18 writes Theology Thursday: All Things are Possible with God to prevent us from misapplying this beloved sentiment. And just when I’d planned to jump off the roof of our apartment building to try flying! Man, Rachel, you’re such a killjoy!

The division over President Trump is sad, and even sadder when professing Christians express animosity toward him. Therefore I appreciate Michelle Lesley for outlining 7 Ways to Pray During the Trump Administration, which carefully takes us through God’s Word to give us a Biblical attitude.

Rebekah Womble of Wise In His Eyes writes Let Me Be a Woman to review Elizabeth Eliott’s book of the same title. Even without reading the actual book, I gained great encouragement from Rebekah’s review. I think you’ll also learn some things about being a godly woman by reading it.

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Saturday Sampler: September 25 — October 1

DebbieLynne Kespert4 Comments

48a60-fourjoyfulladiesContinuing her new series in Beautiful Thing, Jessica Pickowicz gives us Portraits of Superstition: The Pagan Prayer Warrior as an encouragement to pray in ways that honor God.

As my readers know, I am no Beth Moore fan. But when I saw that Elizabeth Prata had written an essay called Jude’s dreamers and Beth Moore’s necromancy for The End Time, I wondered whether or not Elizabeth might have gone too far. Um…no. But click her link to  the YouTube video, and you’ll see that her critique of Moore is chilling in its accuracy. Ladies, Beth Moore is a very dangerous false teacher.

Fred Butler of Hip and Thigh has been doing a series on Christian liberty based on the apostle Paul’s teachings on the subject in 1 Corinthians. His forth installment, How Idolatry Ruined Israel, helps explain the difference between liberty and compromise.

The Biblical Woman blog, for this week’s Theology Thursday column, features Is It Greek to You? Interpreting Romans 16:7. Besides making a strong case for the complimentarian perspective on this controversial verse, Candi Finch demonstrates responsible Bible Study practices. I recommend her article for both reasons.

In  a blog post written for Parking Space 23, James Street lists 5 Things I Want You To Do For Me When I’m On My Death Bed. I question his understanding of Philippians 1:21 (though I recognize that his seminary degree makes him more knowledgeable in Bible interpretation than I), but I find his list very intriguing and practical. It challenges me in contemplating my own death.

John Ellis, writing for PJ Media, boldly names people that he considers The 5 Most Dangerous Wolves Preying On Christians today.  While I’d have a slightly different list, he definitely brings up people who are serious threats.

The author of One Hired Late In The Day answers the question What Is The Gospel? Yes, it’s basic Christian doctrine,  but we all need reminding of these foundational truths more of than we think.

 

 
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