Author Archives: Jon Burnett

About Jon Burnett

Jon has served with congregations in Texas, Maryland and Alaska as a teacher and song leader and is a graduate of Amridge University (BS in Liberal Studies, 2008) and American Military University (MA in Humanities, 2013). He also blogs regularly at www.inearthenvessels.com.

Christian Economics – Part 1

While we often envision ourselves living in an unimaginably vast and incredible universe, we can’t help but recognize the finiteness of our own existence.  As our desire for satisfaction and pleasure presses on, we find ourselves at every turn limited … Continue reading

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Voting With God

As we have said before, no two subjects cause greater consternation among people than religion and politics. For the Christian, however, civics is and should always be an essentially spiritual activity rooted in the words given by the Spirit of … Continue reading

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The Joy of Baptism

The last few months have been exciting for our congregation: five people have been immersed into Christ (see Rom 6:3)! Though baptism is not a subject most people get excited about, the Bible’s discussion of immersion is truly joyful! Consider … Continue reading

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Lessons From the Farm (Hos 10:11-11:11)

As you now know all too well, Hosea’s message is designed to hurt before it heals. But that healing sometimes alludes us because of the work’s focus on judgment. The prophet’s emphasis, though, is intentional: “The reason that the God … Continue reading

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Grapes of Wrath (Hos 9:10-10:10)

The image of grapes is used throughout the Bible as a symbol of both blessing and wrath. On one hand, the fullness of the winepress indicates the abundant blessings God has given and a call to share freely with those … Continue reading

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When Rebels Rage (Hos 8:1-9:9)

In our detour a few weeks ago, we noted that because of their inflammatory tendencies, most people would like to keep religion and politics as far away from each other as possible. But we cannot maintain a high view of biblical justice, … Continue reading

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Heart Problems (Hos 6:11-7:16)

From year to year, heart disease and cancer rank as the leading causes of adult deaths, and the same is true spiritually. Sin affects the heart both first and most fully, and once one’s heart is turned, the infection continues … Continue reading

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Biblical Civics

It is safe to say that no two subjects cause greater consternation among humans than religion and politics. Instead of seeking to understand the reasons for this, though, many have gone to the opposite extreme in their call for a … Continue reading

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Hide and Seek (Hos 5:1-6:10)

Many people treat religion like some sort of game. There are rules to abide by, plays to be made, points to be scored and champions to be crowned. Of course, in some ways the analogy can be a positive one: … Continue reading

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Failed Leadership (Hos 4:1-19)

Leaders are often under-appreciated by their followers and over-appreciated by themselves, and this plays out in numerous ways in our society. We often expect the world out of our presidents, our coaches and our bosses, and then when they fail … Continue reading

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