Applied Theology
AN ANCIENT PRINCIPLE The Apostle Paul was once set free from prison, but he wouldn’t go. Paul did not leave the jail which held him in Philippi until he had first asked for the magistrates to come to him in person (Acts 16:16ff.). Why the unnecessary stay? Students of the New Testament recognize the Apostle... Continue Reading →
The Apostle Paul was once set free from prison, but he wouldn’t go. Paul did not leave from the jail which held him in Philippi until he had first asked for the magistrates to come to him in person (Acts 16:16ff.). Why the unnecessary stay? Students of the New Testament recognize the Apostle Paul as... Continue Reading →
Brooke Parks at Persecutionblog asks an excellent question: Is Christian Persecution a Social Justice Issue? I believe that it is. At least, I believe that persecution is a justice issue. Parks is correct to note the limits of social justice. Parks points out that the goal of ministry to the persecuted is not to remove... Continue Reading →
What could be more obvious than the fact that Christians must take care of the outcast, the poor, and the prisoners? Ministries of mercy like feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and clothing the scantily clad are services expected by Christ of His followers. As Matthew 25 makes plain, the righteous will engage in... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time, our laws were based on justice: “With liberty and justice for all.” Now, it seems there is a sense of “fairness” encroaching upon our liberty and overtaking justice for all. Many folks equate one term with the other, thinking that fairness and justice are equally compelling concepts of liberty, but they... Continue Reading →
Folks often confuse the concepts of justice and vengeance, but God is not confused. He makes a clear distinction. Justice concerns dealing with someone according to a fixed law or standard—particularly a standard by which all are governed equally. Vengeance, on the other hand, concerns an individual or group who perceive a wrong against them... Continue Reading →
Is it OK to sever a man's spine if his crime caused another man to become paralyzed? I will be honest, I'm not sure. The government has been given the right to punish evil doers. The biblical injunction is "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth." Such an injunction--though it has been given... Continue Reading →
I just read this sobering story about Major Philip Wise of the Salvation Army. It is a sad and sobering reminder of what a sin-sickened world we inhabit. You will want to be in prayer for this family. Major Wise along with his 3 young children were in front of the Salvation Army headquarters on... Continue Reading →
I am linking here a letter that a wife has written on behalf of her husband. Her husband has been in prison for 14 months. Since last May, neither she nor her son has had any interaction with the imprisoned dad. The Chinese authorities have kept this man locked up and isolated for 14 months. ... Continue Reading →
When murder is committed, the person responsible is a murderer. Murderers ought to be sentenced to death. When one takes a life, he gives his own in return to demonstrate that human life is of such a high value that life is the only penalty for life. Human beings are created in the image of God. ... Continue Reading →
Here is the story of a wedding (sort of). One wonders why this particular chapel on the beach was chosen for the union. Maybe it was the beautiful sunset. Maybe it was the sandy beach. Maybe it was the waves. Or… maybe it was the fact that a Christian ministry owned the seaside chapel. Maybe... Continue Reading →
Tolerance and fairness have taken the place of freedom and justice in America. Tolerance and fairness are decided by those who wield power. Freedom and justice were Christian ideas based in the nature of God and in the judgment of God. Get rid of God, and you get rid of freedom and justice. If ever... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 