Fighting for truth
Wednesday, 02 March 2005
We’ve probably all heard the expression “might doesn’t make right.” We can probably agree that right makes might, at least morally speaking. But does right make fight? Too often, I’ve felt the need to fight for every scrap of truth. Sometimes, like a dog fighting for a meaty bone, I was fighting to protect what
- Published in Commentary
Worshipping on Mountains
Wednesday, 02 March 2005
I found a very funny and useful parody about “prooftexting” our beliefs, written by a blogger named Rey at BibleArchive.com. I disagree with Rey on some important points of theology, like “eternal security” and insisting that being immersed into Christ is trying to be saved by our “works.” Rey, my friend, keep reading those Scriptures
- Published in Bible, Commentary, Reviews
Follow the Leader, lead the follower
Tuesday, 01 March 2005
What is a follower and what is a leader? Jesus blurred the distinction in many ways. Was He a forceful leader, or a meek follower? Or, perhaps, was he a meek leader, not a forceful follower? As I think about these questions, I realize now that at times I’ve been a forceful follower. All of
- Published in Commentary
CH_CH: What’s Missing?
Monday, 28 February 2005
There’s a good article entitled “CH__CH: What’s Missing?” in the March issue of The Gospel Message. Brother Tom Woody and I undoubtedly share a profound love for assembling together with the Lord’s people, and his essay ought to get you fired up for it. The goal, of course, is not simply “attendence,” which is worthless
- Published in Reviews
Love unexpressed
Friday, 25 February 2005
I was listening to a talk show recently where the discussion was centered on patriotism and love of country. Most were calling in talking about their appreciation for the freedoms they have in America. One person called in to say that, although he considered himself patriotic and felt that he loved his country, he didn’t
- Published in Commentary, Love
Christian friendly fire
Wednesday, 23 February 2005
In most wars, a good percentage of the casualties comes from “friendly fire,” or ammunition that hits the wrong target due mostly to inadequate communication and misunderstandings about the orders given. I was surprised at the start of the current Iraq war that the number of casualties from these kinds of accidents, including overturned trucks
- Published in Commentary, Love
Expressing the inexpressible
Tuesday, 22 February 2005
I am filled with awe that my niece was baptized into Christ this weekend and that she got to share in an exciting day of fellowship, singing, and good will with close to a hundred other believers from all over Southern California. It’s amazing how joy in Christ can be so contagious. I tried to
- Published in Commentary, Love
What is the New Testament?
Friday, 18 February 2005
What is the New Testament? Of course, this question could be tackled from a number of different angles, but I want to look at the most basic one. Does the New Testament consist of the books of Matthew through Revelation? Hold your breath…no! Words and phrases take on new meanings as humans use them. For
- Published in Bible, Commentary
The deep things of God
Tuesday, 15 February 2005
What are the deep things of God? Sometimes I lose sight of what’s deep and what’s not so deep in the scheme of things. Was tithing of mint, rue, and other herbs a good thing for the Pharisees to do? Yes. Were those things the deep things of God? Forget about it. Luke 11:42 –
- Published in Commentary, Love
Do peace and liberty destroy unity?