Deus Misereatur

Social Justice vs. Biblical Justice: How Good Intentions Undermine the Gospel by E. Calvin Beisner My rating: 5 of 5 stars This wee booklet is an updated version of an earlier one. E. Calvin Beisner, Founder and National Spokesman of The Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, and one-time professor at Covenant College and Knox Theological Seminary, has compiled a handy little dossier on what is biblical justice and what is its relation to society and culture. It is simple and straightforward, readable by those who have technical legal education as well as those who have moderate schooling. Older adults and mid-teens could profitably digest this pamphlet. Beisner has thoughtfully culled Scripture, answering those who have all-too-easily misused the Bible to foster this or that economic program or egalitarian plan. He is correct to see that "the poor" in Scripture are not necessarily the economically impoverished as much as it is those who are vulnerable to in...

(From left-to-right: Chuck Garriott, who heads up Ministry to State nationally; Casey Shutt, Matt Wiley, and Me - Mike Philliber) Besides being Senior Pastor at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, I also am involved in other things. I am the facilitator of the Northwest Pastors Prayer Fellowship of NW OKC pastors from various denominations. As well, I am a Self-Defense instructor at Healthy Living OKC. And I'm involved  in the Hills and Plains Presbytery's Candidates and Credentials Committee and Administrative Committee. In addition to all of these, I am also engaged with a Bible Study that meets at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This Bible study is part of a larger ministry called Ministry to State. We meet, over lunch, with many people at the State Capitol to study Scripture and pray for one another, as well as counsel and care for those who attend. The folks who are involved in the fellowship come from all over the Christian tribal map, but are bound togethe...

Almighty and indestructible God, you never grow old, and never succumb to memory lapses; you never forget your promises, and never misplace your valuables; you speak, and your word is solid and sure; you plan out the end from the beginning, and all you have planned comes about. It is to you that we come, worshiping you in your greatness, adoring your majesty, singing of your might, and offering ourselves as living, whole-person sacrifices, made holy and acceptable to you through Jesus Christ your Son, and in the power of your Holy Spirit. You have promised that if we submit to you, and resist the devil, he will flee. And that if we draw near to you, you draw near to us (James 4:7-8). Help us to submit and draw close to you, and resist the devil. O Lord, hear our prayer.     Turn your eyes and cares onto those who are having trouble and turmoil in their marriages or with their children; those who find that life hasn’t gone where they had dreamed and are disheartened; an...

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, your mercies and loving-kindnesses have been from everlasting. You did become man and stooped to endure crucifixion and death for the salvation of all who rightly believe in you. You rose from the dead for our justification and ascended into heaven, and sit at the right hand of God the Father, from whence you shall come to judge the living and the dead; and as our great High Priest you regard the humble prayers of all who call upon you with their whole heart. Incline your ear and hear. First of all remember your Holy Universal   Church, which you have purchased with your precious blood; this congregation; these churches in the greater OKC area: Faith Lutheran Church; Holy Trinity Lutheran; Immanuel Lutheran; and Lutheran Church of Our Savior; as well as your servants who are under persecution for your sake and for the sake of your holy gospel. Confirm and strengthen your Church, enlarge and multiply her, keep her in peace, and preserve her unc...