There is no more pervasive topic in Hebrews than persecution. Not just that it is a possibility for the follower of Jesus. It is Plan A. It is the way God has designed this. I may not like it—by the way—I don’t—but I don’t have God’s capacity to see—not even close. It is not a surprise to me that we don’t hear much about this today. And I am really sure that this is not a welcomed topic.  All I am saying is that it is wildly biblical. Don’t shoot the messenger. 

There is no more pervasive topic in Hebrews than persecution. Not just that it is a possibility for the follower of Jesus. It is Plan A. It is the way God has designed this. I may not like it—by the way—I don’t—but I don’t have God’s capacity to see—not even close. It is not a surprise to me that we don’t hear much about this today. And I am really sure that this is not a welcomed topic.  All I am saying is that it is wildly biblical. Don’t shoot the messenger.

Straight talk on all topics religious or secular. Interesting and relevant issues that matter. If you are easily offended, welcome.

Gospel Rant

Dr. Bill's passion is to proclaim God's love for the unlovable. We want to help beat-up, frustrated and weary Christians hear the music again. We can do this. Just grab a cup of joe, sit back, enjoy, follow, leave a review and enter into the dialogue. Bill@gospel-app.com. 

Dr. Bill's passion is to proclaim God's love for the unlovable. We want to help beat-up, frustrated and weary Christians hear the music again. We can do this. Just grab a cup of joe, sit back, enjoy, follow, leave a review and enter into the dialogue. <a href="mailto:Bill@gospel-app.com">Bill@gospel-app.com</a>.

Persecution IS Plan "A" (Hebrews 4)

So who is Melchizedek?

Context? In Gen 14, Abraham had just won a surprising, miraculous military victory and is headed home. Two Kings came out to meet him in the King’s Valley (west of Jerusalem?). The King of Sodom, a picture of unrighteousness, self-focus, arrogance, hey, what about me? Attitude—who had already been defeated by the army that Abraham just defeated with 318 men—oh the shame and embarrassment. He will demand “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” Very arrogant and ungrateful. No joy.

Then there is the mysterious Melchizedek, the king of Salem (unknown, perhaps early Jerusalem?) who is also the King of righteousness (other-oriented, sacrificial, not a hey-what-about-me? Attitude) and the King of Peace. He blessed Abraham. The anti-Sodom. 

Fun?

So who is Melchizedek?
Context? In Gen 14, Abraham had just won a surprising, miraculous military victory and is headed home. Two Kings came out to meet him in the King’s Valley (west of Jerusalem?). The King of Sodom, a picture of unrighteousness, self-focus, arrogance, hey, what about me? Attitude—who had already been defeated by the army that Abraham just defeated with 318 men—oh the shame and embarrassment. He will demand “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” Very arrogant and ungrateful. No joy.
Then there is the mysterious Melchizedek, the king of Salem (unknown, perhaps early Jerusalem?) who is also the King of righteousness (other-oriented, sacrificial, not a hey-what-about-me? Attitude) and the King of Peace. He blessed Abraham. The anti-Sodom. 
Fun?

Who the Heck Is Melchizedek? (Hebrews 10)

I am very concerned about the well-being of teens and tweens today. Frustrated parents, we need big time help. I mean Captain Obvious right? Per the CDC, suicide and homicide rates (10-24) are the highest they have been in decades (since 1968). A shocking 42% of adolescents are experiencing sadness and hopelessness (up 50% from 2011)--57% of females. 22% of all students have considered attempting suicide (up 36% from 2011). It is a mental health crisis for one of our most vulnerable demographics, adolescents. Anxiety is up. Loneliness is up [i]. Gender dysphoria, confusion up. Religion and church attendance is down.[ii]

Today, I want to give you a simplified class on attachment theory related to teens. I think that you will find things that just might help. How can already good enough parents of teens and tweens become just a little bit more good enough parents? Everything I say will have a firm biblical foundation while informed by attachment theory and neuroscience.

We will look at the important notion of attunement in relationships, particularly with your teen and tween. We will go deeper into the two main attachment theory categories of children’s insecure behavior—don’t worry about getting lost in the weeds. I’ve got you.  I will give you some helpful tips to help them become a little more secure. I will also say a little about social media and its dangers.

I am very concerned about the well-being of teens and tweens today. Frustrated parents, we need big time help. I mean Captain Obvious right? Per the CDC, suicide and homicide rates (10-24) are the highest they have been in decades (since 1968). A shocking 42% of adolescents are experiencing sadness and hopelessness (up 50% from 2011)--57% of females. 22% of all students have considered attempting suicide (up 36% from 2011). It is a mental health crisis for one of our most vulnerable demographics, adolescents. Anxiety is up. Loneliness is up <a href="#_edn1">[i]</a>. Gender dysphoria, confusion up. Religion and church attendance is down.<a href="#_edn2">[ii]</a>
Today, I want to give you a simplified class on attachment theory related to teens. I think that you will find things that just might help. How can already good enough parents of teens and tweens become just a little bit more good enough parents? Everything I say will have a firm biblical foundation while informed by attachment theory and neuroscience.
We will look at the important notion of attunement in relationships, particularly with your teen and tween. We will go deeper into the two main attachment theory categories of children’s insecure behavior—don’t worry about getting lost in the weeds. I’ve got you.  I will give you some helpful tips to help them become a little more secure. I will also say a little about social media and its dangers.

Attachment Theory for Parents of Teens Simplified

Today we dig into the entire concept of entering into God’s rest. Don’t think that it refers to relaxing here. This ain’t My Pillow. Nope, that’s for heaven. Heaven’s going to be great, this ain’t it.

Is this important? Yeah, the author of Hebrews starts off this section with a stark warning to the Jewish Christians in Rome (likely). Phobeomai! Beware lest---be afraid if you miss this… Defcon 1. Don’t screw this one up. Pretty important. Make sure that no one has missed it or fallen short. So what do you think? Have we? Has anyone around you? Your church? Or do you claim ignorance? Fun right?

In this show, we will explore what he is talking about. Believe me, it is not about sleeping more. It is not even about keeping the one-day-a-week sabbath free from work—not like what we typically think. In fact, he will ramp it up even more—This thing, this place of rest—we should be entering into it every day 24/7. Why is it that no one has ever told you about this?

Curious?

Welcome to Gospel Rant and God’s Love for the Unlovable.

Today we dig into the entire concept of entering into God’s rest. Don’t think that it refers to relaxing here. This ain’t My Pillow. Nope, that’s for heaven. Heaven’s going to be great, this ain’t it.
Is this important? Yeah, the author of Hebrews starts off this section with a stark warning to the Jewish Christians in Rome (likely). Phobeomai! Beware lest---be afraid if you miss this… Defcon 1. Don’t screw this one up. Pretty important. Make sure that no one has missed it or fallen short. So what do you think? Have we? Has anyone around you? Your church? Or do you claim ignorance? Fun right?
In this show, we will explore what he is talking about. Believe me, it is not about sleeping more. It is not even about keeping the one-day-a-week sabbath free from work—not like what we typically think. In fact, he will ramp it up even more—This thing, this place of rest—we should be entering into it every day 24/7. Why is it that no one has ever told you about this?
Curious?
Welcome to Gospel Rant and God’s Love for the Unlovable.

Persecution IS Plan "A" (Hebrews 4)

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