Another common and well-meaning misuse of scripture occurs when people claim “God will not allow you to face anything that you cannot endure.” This claim is used to comfort those going through tough times. It’s a nice thought, … Continue reading
I’ve been considering lately the toils, the labors, the works of man and how they fit in the universe and in the economy of the universe’s creator—YHWH. Recently I pointed out in a sermon that the word “vocation” … Continue reading
Proverbs twenty-six, especially verses four and five, came to mind today because of an exchange with a self-style prophet. When dealing with such fools, one finds it hard to know the right course of action to take. Verse … Continue reading
Send to Kindle“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV What has Christ freed us from? What is this … Continue reading
This morning in my devotional reading, I finished the Gospel of John. After meditating for several days on the interchange between Jesus and Peter in 21:15-19, this morning I went on to the last exchange of the book—Peter’s … Continue reading
One of the benefits of Christian ministry is the opportunity to discuss and debate with fellow believers holding an assortment of views. It is amazing to me how often in these discussions people who defend the Bible as … Continue reading
In Galatians 5:16f, we are told that if we are living in the Spirit we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. We are also told that the two—the Spirit and the sinful nature—contend against each … Continue reading
Scripture often warns us to adjust our behavior according to our interaction with others. We are told to be culturally relevant to those we are trying to reach—Paul adjusted his behavior, in relation to the law, based on … Continue reading
Paul says in Galatians 6:4, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each on should carry his own load” (NIV). He uses a word … Continue reading