Biblical Insight Today

The Radical Power of Brotherly Love:  Why the World Hates It They were known by how they loved one another. They cared deeply, provided generously, and supported each other without hesitation. There was no fighting, no manipulation, no gossip, and no betrayal. They refused to take advantage of one another or abuse one another.  Instead, honesty, peace, and genuine affection defined their relationships.  In a world filled with selfishness and brokenness, their way of life stood out as something rare and beautiful. Their bonds carried the warmth and loyalty of family, yet reached far beyond blood ties.  The world couldn’t wrap its head around it. It seemed too strange, too pure—and ultimately, too threatening. Why the World Hates Christians At the heart of it, the world does not primarily hate Christians for their beliefs, their worship, or their moral convictions.  What it despises most is their brotherly love—the authentic, sacrificial agape love that flows from...

God made prophets, priest and kings. God made Abraham a Father of many nations. He made Moses a deliverer, Levi a priest, David a King, Solomon the wisest man in the world and Jeremiah a prophet. The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” God made Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Apostles. He made John a Seer who wrote everything he saw in the book of Revelation. He made Paul a “letter-writer” to the churches. He said, “It was [God] who gave some to be...evangelist, some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ is built up.” This verse has our names all over it. What Pastors do for Christ and the church is no accident or fluke. Paul wrote, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to [be set apart].” (Eph. 1:4) The LORD does not call pastors to be shepherds of His flocks and...