J Gresham Machen published a book in the 1920s describing the challenge facing the church of his day. I'm finding that some of what he predicted as the result of cultural trends in his time is impressively applicable 100 years after his … [Continue reading]
Not based on circumstances
The opening verses of Matthew 5 are commonly referred to as the Beatitudes. Each of the nine beatitudes begins with "Blessed are . . ." and then provides a condition for blessing. I wrote an introduction to the Beatitudes in a previous post which you … [Continue reading]
Darkness and Light
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5, ESV I read the opening verses of John this morning and the phrase quoted above grabbed my attention. Later in the same Gospel, John records Jesus acknowledging … [Continue reading]
How dare we?
“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.” Jonah 4:1, ESV Those of us who have been in the church for a while can read or hear Bible stories without allowing ourselves to be challenged by them. They can be so familiar that we … [Continue reading]
On the nature of the church
Human institutions must put their continuance as a very high if not the highest, priority. They must promote the organization's welfare over the benefit of one of the members. Members who don't contribute to the institution's success are forced out … [Continue reading]
On Endurance
The opening verses of James are familiar to anyone who has been in the church for a while. But when we slow down long enough to consider them closely, we have to ask some questions. “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you … [Continue reading]
