Let us not allow movements of hate to transform us but let us transform others through the expression of the core elements of the gospels. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your enemies. Help the needy. Do not judge unless you want to be judged. Finally, treat others the way you yourself want to be treated.

Have you ever had a "wait, what?!" moment or found yourself doing a double-take as you read the Bible?

I love it when that happens, and I experienced it this past week as I was putting together this week’s study guide. There I was, reading about the Israelites who returned to the land they had lost, and it hit me…