The Anarchist

I was enjoying my daily Bible reading recently when one little word made a light bulb of thoughts explode in my mind.

This word has been prominent in the media for weeks to describe the looting, burning and defacing of statutes taking place across the United States. It’s been going on in the lawless city of Portland, Oregon for the past forty-five days.

I was expecting another term in my reading–and that’s what surprised me. I anticipated “anti-Christ” which conjures up visions of an evil world dictator or the “opposite” of Jesus Christ. 

Now I’m reminded what the “opposite of Jesus” entails.

The Anarchist.

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Verbal Fascism

I remember vividly the cultural turmoil of the 1960’s highlighting the importance of free speech at the U.C.-Berkeley and other campuses. Though I strongly rejected the youth rebellion and its focus on drugs, free sex, and hatred of the police, I agreed with one tenet.

Free speech.

It stood enshrined in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and seemed as American as apple pie. I thought the radicals simply wanted equal time. That’s fair in a free society.

I was wrong.

Those same radicals now control many of the leadership positions in government, the media and higher education in the United States. We now know what they wanted all along.

Control. And how do you gain it?

Verbal Fascism.

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Zooming Back to the Book of Acts?

I’ve been in some inspiring Zoom meetings recently–which appears to be the new norm. (If you haven’t experienced Zoom, it’s a software program that allows a few people or thousands to “meet on-line” in real time.) 

Last week one gathering involved 300 mission leaders. Another four-hour session brought sixty youth ministry heads together. Then pastors and Christian leaders hooked up in my hometown. 

Finally, we celebrated the National Day of Prayer on May 7 via Internet streaming which united millions of followers of Christ in virtual worship and prayer.

Is it time to re-set the Church by “zooming” back to the Book of Acts?

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