The Bible says that our core problem, the fundamental reason we do what we do, is sin. What is being said here? Scripture is defining sin as a condition that results in behavior. We all are sinners, and because of this, we all do sinful things. This is why I said that our core problem […]
Sexual Assault Defined
Our definition of sexual assault is any type of sexual behavior or contact where consent is not freely given or obtained and is accomplished through force, intimidation, violence, coercion, manipulation, threat, deception, or abuse of authority. This definition gets beyond our society’s narrow understanding of the issue and expands the spectrum of actions to be […]
We Need Imagination
People struggling with life in a fallen world often want explanations when what they really need is imagination. They want strategies, techniques, and principles because they simply want things to be better. But God offers much more. People need to look at their families, neighbors, friends, cities, jobs, history, and churches, and see the kingdom. […]
Jesus Entered Your Pain and Shame
However, there was one who later came and entered her pain and shame. Jesus Christ was killed, not for revenge but to bear her shame on the cross and to offer her a new robe of righteousness to replace her torn robes of disgrace. How Tamar felt after the assault, described in verse 19 [2 […]
Eternal Weight of Glory
When weighed against eternity and its glory, the hardest of lives will be seen as light and brief.” (Tripp, Keeping Destiny in View, pg.16.).
Heart Change is Possible
As we face our own struggles with sin and minster to people who seem trapped by things they cannot overcome, this must be our message too. We must faithfully proclaim, “Hope is only to be found in Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. In him, lasting, personal heart change is possible.” Any other message encourages […]
Aimless Despair
The image produced is one of Tamar wandering aimlessly, with her torn dress, wailing like one in mourning, publicly announcing her grief and her disgrace. The assault has reduced her to a state of aimless despair…Tamar’s body language portrays deep pain….She has been grievously wronged by Amnon and left alone by everyone else. Her brother […]
An Expression of Hatred
Regarding biblical accounts of sexual assault, Mieke Bal writes, ‘Rape is an expression of hatred, motivated by hate, and is often accompanied by offensive verbal language.’ Amnon failed to consider Tamar as a complete person, created with dignity in the image of God. The intensity of Amnon’s desire for Tamar was matched only by the […]
The Best of News
You cannot escape sin because it dwells within you. All the things you learn get twisted by its power. You can’t outsmart it or buy your way out of it. You can’t move to escape it. This is why the coming of the king is the best of news. Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, […]