Category Archives: Encouragement

Is There an Old Testament Confession of Faith?

Posted on May 24, 2025 by salooper57

I once took a class from a teacher who described the God of the New Testament as loving and forgiving, but the God of the Old Testament as angry and vindictive. He had not read the Old Testament carefully enough. Continue reading →

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A Change Is Coming

Posted on May 22, 2025 by salooper57

I am neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but I am going to die on June 23, 2031 – at least according to the website, http://www.deathclock.com … I’ve got 6 years left on earth. They have me dying seven days before our 52nd wedding anniversary. I first read that about 20 years ago, and 2031 seemed a long way off. Seems a lot closer now. Continue reading →

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The Work of the Lord: Am I Making Any Difference?

Posted on May 15, 2025 by salooper57

I am neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but I am going to die on June 23, 2031 – at least according to the website, http://www.deathclock.com. .. I first read that about 20 years ago, and 2031 seemed a long way off. Seems a lot closer now. Continue reading →

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Generational Challenges and the Unity of the Spirit

Posted on May 10, 2025 by salooper57

I thought all this in a flash. I spoke it more cautiously. “You know, by the time you’re a grandma, it’s possible that people won’t be wearing nose rings anymore. They might not be cool by then.” Continue reading →

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There Is Love: The Amazing Promise of the Resurrection

Posted on May 7, 2025 by salooper57

“Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel has made him just a gardener.”

But what a gardener! When he plants those who belong to Jesus, they rise with a splendor that is indescribable, unspeakable, and full of glory. Continue reading →

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Changing Evil for Good, Darkness for Light, Bitterness for Sweet

Posted on April 26, 2025 by salooper57

They acted decisively to stamp out the menace. And when they were done, they had stamped him into the ground, into a hole in the ground; and they buried him there. As far as they were concerned, the fire of extremism had been snuffed out. Continue reading →

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Potential, Choice, and the Cost of Being Real

Posted on April 12, 2025 by salooper57

I have paid (and continue to pay) the piper of potentiality. What I have received for that payment has been me—not a potential me, but the real-deal, existential me. I hope I’ve been worth the price. Continue reading →

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The End of All Things: It’s Near

Posted on April 2, 2025 by salooper57

When Peter tells us to love each other, he knows it will be a stretch for us. It will take us out of our comfort zone, but that is where people usually meet God. Continue reading →

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Eveready (video)

Posted on March 27, 2025 by salooper57

This is our hope. Every other hope in humanity’s history, whether religious (think Islam or Buddhism), humanistic (think socialism or communism), or scientific (think Peter Thiel and Elon Musk) pales before the grand hope that is ours. Continue reading →

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Is Your Gospel Missing Something?

Posted on March 22, 2025 by salooper57

I was afraid of the Judgment. I don’t need to search far to find things that I have said, thought, and done that exposed me as a sinner—and sometimes a fool. The idea that all that will be revealed—how could anyone speak of that as good news? Continue reading →

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