The Fool Who Would Be Holy > Articles by: Ian Johnson

Author Archive: Ian Johnson

I have been in Christ since 1991, and have been writing about the general subject area of this site since 1996. My less relevant qualifications are: B.S. (Chemistry) and B.A. (Linguistics), 1976, Wichita State University. M.S. (Biochemistry), 1982 (course work finished in 1980), Iowa State University; J.D., 1982, University of Iowa; M.A. (History), 1984, University of Iowa; plus one year of a History Ph.D. program, 1984-1985, University of Kansas. I was employed from 1991 to 2016 as a research paralegal in a firm that handled mostly complex civil litigation, including toxic tort litigation (in which I was always involved). That firm merged with a larger litigation firm in 2016, where I have been employed ever

How should we respond together to the Lord’s discipline?

September 3, 2024 0 Comments

The passage from Hebrews 12:11-17 discusses the Lord’s discipline and how believers should support one another through it. Discipline, though painful, leads to righteousness and peace. This unified response showcases peace and holiness, helping others to see the Lord through our lives. Holiness and peace are essential for believers.

A God who Speaks, Changed treatment of each other, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Discipline or Correction, God Acts by Speaking, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, His Children, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Through others, Through the church, To be his ambassadors, To bear fruit, To live in unity, Unity

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¿Cómo debemos responder juntos a la disciplina del Señor?

September 3, 2024 0 Comments

Hebreos 12:11-17 se centra en la disciplina del Señor y nuestra respuesta junta. Dios nos disciplina para mejorarnos y hacernos justos. Debemos apoyar a otros creyentes en su disciplina, promoviendo paz y santidad. Esto permite que otros vean al Señor a través de nuestras vidas. La clave es Hebreos 12:14.

A God who Speaks, Changed treatment of each other, Confession and Repentance, Confession of Sin, Discipline or Correction, God Speaks to Us, God's purpose for us, His Children, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Show us the Way of Truth, Through others, Through the church, To be his ambassadors, To bear fruit, To live in unity

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Our Shepherd’s Voice

September 1, 2024 0 Comments

This passage discusses a traditional shepherd’s gentle approach to guiding sheep, emphasizing their trust in the shepherd’s voice. Unlike methods involving fear, the shepherd calls each sheep by name, leading them willingly. The analogy highlights the importance of trust and guidance, affirming that every individual is recognized and led with care.

A God who Speaks, Conversation with God, God Acts by Speaking, God is light, God is Love, God Never Stopped Speaking, God Speaks to Us, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, God's Voice, His sheep, Language and Speech, On speaking terms again, patience, Reconciliation, Restoration of God's Image, Through Jesus, To be in his image

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La Voz de Nuestro Pastor

September 1, 2024 1 Comment

Explica que los versículos describen a un pastor tradicional llamando a sus ovejas por su nombre, sin usar miedo ni métodos modernos. Jesús enseña que el pastor guía a las ovejas con confianza y amor, haciéndolas salir del redil y seguir su voz de buena voluntad.

A God who Speaks, Conversation with God, God Acts by Speaking, God is light, God is Love, God Never Stopped Speaking, God Speaks to Us, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, God's Voice, His sheep, Language and Speech, On speaking terms again, patience, Reconciliation, Restoration of God's Image, Through Jesus, To be in his image

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What is a root of bitterness?

August 30, 2024 0 Comments

A root of bitterness is a grudge that spreads to uninvolved parties, planting contempt for the accused and hindering God’s grace. It leads to unforgiveness, rumor embellishment, and division among believers. To combat this, individuals should forgive offenses and avoid spreading resentment, while the church follows scripture-based conflict resolution without gossip.

Changed treatment of each other, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is Love, God's purpose for us, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, On speaking terms again, Quarrels, Reconciliation, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, To be his ambassadors, To live in unity

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¿Qué es una raíz de amargura?

August 30, 2024 0 Comments

Una raíz de amargura es un rencor que, al difundirse, contamina al oyente y crea actitudes de desprecio hacia el ofensor. Los rumores empeoran y se propagan exponencialmente, dañando irreparablemente las relaciones. La única solución es perdonar y buscar la reconciliación, evitando siempre los chismes.

Changed treatment of each other, Confession and Repentance, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is Love, God's purpose for us, In the Church, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, On speaking terms again, Quarrels, Reconciliation, Repentance, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, To be his ambassadors, To be in his image, To live in unity

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¿Hay Algo Que Dios No Puede Perdonar?

August 28, 2024 1 Comment

El texto explica que Dios no puede perdonarnos los rencores entre nosotros, ya que solo nosotros somos los dueños de esos sentimientos y debemos decidir perdonar. Jesús enseña que si no perdonamos a otros, Dios no nos perdonará. Dios valora la reconciliación y nos llama a vivir en el perdón.

Changed treatment of each other, Consequences, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, forgiveness and mercy, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is Love, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, His Friends, In the Church, judgment, Love each other, Meaning of Unity, patience, Reconciliation, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, Salvation, Sin, To be his ambassadors, To live in unity

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Un rencor encarcela a todas sus partes

August 27, 2024 0 Comments

Guardando rencor, no solo uno se daña a sí mismo, sino que ambas partes quedan atrapadas en una prisión emocional hasta que se libere el rencor. Jesús enseña que debemos perdonar infinitamente y sin contabilizar las ofensas, mostrando compasión y misericordia hacia los demás, como Dios lo hace con nosotros. Originalmente publicado en inglés el 11 de julio de 2024.

Consequences, Divisions in the Church, Forgive as we forgive, Forgiveness and Unforgiveness, God is light, In the Church, judgment, Meaning of Unity, On speaking terms again, Quarrels, Reconciliation, refusal to repent, Repentance, Repentance in community, Restoration of God's Image, Restoration of our Relationships, Sin, The Kingdom is all around us, The Kingdom of the Heavens, To be his ambassadors, To live in unity, Unity, What is sin?

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Am I blind? Can I spot a thief?

August 26, 2024 0 Comments

In John 10, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about the good shepherd following the healing of a blind man in John 9. The healed man affirms faith in Jesus, resulting in his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness, contrasting true shepherds with thieves. My sheep can see this. Can you? The first in a series.

Choosing darkness over light, Consequences, God is light, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, God's sovereignty, His sheep, Jesus the Son, judgment, self-serving worship, Sin, Son of Man, Trinity, Truth and Falsehood, What is sin?

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¿Soy ciego? ¿Puedo detectar a un ladrón?

August 26, 2024 0 Comments

En Juan 9 y 10, Jesús, tras sanar a un ciego y confrontar a los fariseos, les acusa de hipocresía espiritual al afirmar que pueden ver mientras rechazan la verdad. Jesús usa la parábola del buen pastor para contrastar entre el verdadero guía y los falsos líderes, cuestionando la legitimidad de los fariseos. La primera parte de ls serie.

Choosing darkness over light, Consequences, God is light, God's Existence and Nature, God's purpose for us, His sheep, Jesus the Son, judgment, self-serving worship, Sin, Son of Man, Trinity, Truth and Falsehood, What is sin?

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