outer life

The Hidden Things of the Heart

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” – Luke 8:17 Yesterday, we talked about how it’s possible that the Roman Empire fell because everything in their culture centered around the external. Although what was visible was attended to with great care, what was hidden was practically overlooked. While this was a prevailing Gentile philosophy in those times, it stands in stark contrast to the Jews, who consistently prized the inner life over the outer. In fact, in looking at the ruins of the Hebrew temple, it’s been noted by archeologists that every single stone had an ornate carving on its exterior. While you would expect that only those that were apparent to the eye would be given such great time and attention, even the stones underground had intricate designs. You see, unlike the

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A Prospering Soul

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” – 3 John 2 Years ago, Hannah and I had the privilege of receiving a private tour of the Holy Land led by a guy named Roni Winter. To us, he was like a Jewish Indiana Jones — he’s an archeologist and a historian — and he had an incredible amount of knowledge about the region. One day of our trip, he took us to some amazing ruins called Beit Shean. As we walked around what was once a thriving Roman city, he painted a picture of the immense beauty and grandeur that characterized this place when it was in its prime. Then, he looked at us and inquired, “Do you want to know why the Roman Empire fell?” and he said, “Follow me.”

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