The plight of the suffering and disenfranchised is not to be forgotten. Their reality calls forth a myriad of responses and levels of action, which should be aimed at and geared to release. Welcoming in and showing hospitality to the stranger and orphan pleases God.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery
Having significant roles to play in the drama of creation and salvation is both a task and a joy. Thankfully, God illumines the path so that we can give valid testimony to his existence and redemption as we work for and rejoice in his kingdom.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery
Being Spirit formed and shaped by Scripture will open up possibilities for us to love, forgive, and show grace. Somehow, it’s so much easier to ignore all this as what really counts because we busy ourselves with the trivial and call it life. Each day God gives us fresh opportunities, but leaves it up to us to act upon them. Acting on what is given will help transform the world.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery
The lack of love that is so prominent in many church contexts is shocking. Instead of loving each other and the stranger, we only tear down and fail to build up. Pray for personal transformation and renewal in the church. Forming our own tribes of hubris and exclusivity will be a faith defeater. God calls us to be responsible and gracious.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery
Proof-texting – taking a verse here and there from the Bible – can be a dangerous enterprise when it comes to understanding God, self, other, and world. Random reading leaves too much to chance. No doubt sometimes God can use his word in this very selective sort of way, but most of the time if we want to understand better, we need to be informed about the historical, theological, and literary context of a passage before assuming that it is speaking directly to and for us. Surely, this more careful approach is part of what it means to hold a high view of Scripture and to honor God and his revelation.
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery