The Rest of the Story

“Why does God allow bad people to prosper and get away with sin?”

This statement seems to express a common thought among critical thinking
people today. We may not actually say it out loud (though I’ve been in a few
conversations where it’s been said), but many of us think this is happening on a
regular basis. Just consider the corruption in politics, business, sports &
entertainment. We are upset by the wickedness and corruption we see all around
us. But is the premise true? Is God really letting these “bad” people off the hook?
And…

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The Importance of Denying Self

I wouldn’t blame you for seeing the title of this week’s Exhorter and perhaps
thinking to yourself, “Maybe I’ll just wait and pick up next week’s article.” The
idea of self-denial doesn’t exactly have the same appeal as some of the other
virtues we read about in scripture. If I’m being candid, I’d prefer to write about
something seemingly more positive and uplifting such as joy, kindness,
faithfulness or love. Self-denial by contrast doesn’t evoke the same warm and
fuzzy feelings, but more likely makes us squirm uncomfortably in our seats. Sort
of like a trip…

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Various Trials

1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more
precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

To call the persecution of the Christians in and around Asia Minor, “various trials”
seems, by my estimation, inadequate. I believe it fair to assume that some of the
“Exiles of the Dispersion” rolled their eyes, or possibly…