Protected?

 Like many modern Christians, the ancient Israelites became convinced that God was obligated to provide divine protection. (Ez 22:1-12). Just as Ezekiel warned Israel that they could not manipulate God, we should remember that God may also require an accounting from the Church. How are living out Christ's commands to love God and to love your neighbor?

Rating our mental gymnastics

 In spite of Jesus's clear warning to the rich that they are already reaping their rewards and should not expect to have rewards in Heaven (Luke 6), Western Christians expend great effort to dilute the warnings of Jesus and to advocate the wealthy in their congregations (James 5). How do reconcile your wealth with these warnings?

High Steppin

 Christians have long received hope from passages like Luke 6:17-26. Perhaps we should be reading the passage as an indictment on our self-interest driven lives instead of as a secret password for entering paradise. What do you want to be doing when Jesus returns? Will you be loving in Word or deed (Jn 3)?

When will God fix 'them'

We all feel the pain of sin and cry out to God, “When will You act?” (Habakkuk 1). Yet Christians often disagree on which sins matter most, using vague language and overlooking systemic wrongs like racism, and laws that mistreat immigrants and children to starve. What sins do you long to see end—and are you willing to name the ones you or your institutions still commit, not just those you wouldn’t?

Get Over Here!

 Colossians 2:8 warns us of being taken, like spoil by the world's way of thinking, instead of following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many Christians believe that they have not been taken captive by the world's way of thinking, but still hate their neighbors, block aid to the poor, and fail to care for the immigrant. In what ways have you come to adopt worldly thinking instead of clinging to the teachings of Christ?

THOSE PEOPLE...

 Jesus urged His followers to show unusual courage when it comes to dealing with people (Matt 10:28). Are there groups of people you fear? Do you find yourself shying away from certain people groups? How can trust God to care for you when you are confronted with a representative from a group you fear?

Big Guy to the rescue - maybe?

 In Luke 13:34-35 Jesus relates His love for Jerusalem, even though the city had a history of killing God's prophets. The statement is even more striking when we consider that Jesus knew that he too would soon be killed by the political and religious leaders of the city. How do you respond to your enemies?