The Editor’s Desk by Shawn McMullen When we hear the word sovereign we think in terms of authority, control, and power. We call kings sovereigns and autonomous states sovereignties. But even kings and countries have limitations. No earthly king has ever overruled the human lifespan. History repeatedly confirms the fleeting power of nations and the […]
The best policy
The Editor’s Desk by Shawn McMullen When it comes to honest communication, God leaves no wiggle room. “Do not lie. Do not deceive one another” (Leviticus 19:11), he commanded the Israelites. Paul warned the church, “Do not lie to each other” (Colossians 3:9). Even so, we seem to find ways to practice deceit that, if […]
Praying with a firm faith
The Editor’s Desk by Shawn McMullen An elderly Christian minister was asked what he would do differently if he had his life to live over. He replied, “I would study more and pray less.” He wasn’t downplaying prayer. He was advocating the careful study of God’s Word—a discipline that filters our prayers. Sometimes we make […]
The priority of the poor
The Editor’s Desk by Shawn McMullen God cares about the poor: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap” (Psalm 113:7). He warns against mistreating them: “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31). He […]
The doorway of discipleship
The Editor’s Desk by Shawn McMullen The neighborhood where my brother and I grew up was filled with boys of a similar age. When the weather permitted we played outdoors with abandon—valiant commanders leading our armies in epic struggles, cowboys and Indians vying for control of the wild west, or famous explorers mapping dangerous and […]