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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series

Who defines success?

Posted on May 1, 2022 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

In his book Center Church, Timothy Keller compares the ideas of faithfulness and fruitfulness in ministry. Those who emphasize faithfulness, point to the accuracy of their teaching and their diligence in presenting scripture as the guide for life and godliness. They point to the fact that regardless of the apparent results, they remain steadfast in […]

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

Thoughts on the third commandment

Posted on January 18, 2022 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

The third of the Ten Commandments says this: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (ESV) Growing up, this commandment was considered satisfied as long as a person didn’t use the words, “God,” […]

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

Forgetting what lies behind

Posted on November 16, 2021 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

So while we may not totally forget the failures of the past, we can live knowing that we are not stuck and those failures don’t define us.

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

On Bullies and Turning the Other Cheek

Posted on November 15, 2021 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

Whether it is by personality or by training, or some combination of both, I like to have rules to assist in making decisions. But one thing we learn from the gospels is that Jesus often didn’t play by the conventional rules and sometimes it is difficult to discern if a rule is from God (and inviolable) or from man (and can be ignored).

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

Bock on Sainthood

Posted on November 12, 2021 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

“This sainthood is one of the great benefits of being a recipient of God’s grace. It also reflects a responsibility to act like one who has received this calling.” Darrell Bock I copied this quote down, but unfortunately, I didn’t note in which book I found it. But this is a good reminder that our […]

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

A den of robbers

Posted on November 11, 2021 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

When he threw the merchants and money changers out of the temple, Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Mark 11:17 The “you” is plural and probably refers to the religious leaders, including the high priest. They were […]

Filed Under: Bible Reflection

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Medical Symbol

Dr. Luke Investigates

Our pastor is preaching through the Gospel of Luke on Sunday Mornings. During the sermon yesterday a thought struck me. Luke was a physician which is why he sometimes gives very detailed descriptions of the infirmities of those who came to Jesus for healing. The “aha” moment for me yesterday was when I realized that […]

Widows Mite

On mites and absolute value

How do we assess the value of work for the Kingdom of God? Jesus gives us some clues in the story of the widow and her gift.

Getting off track: 5 Enemies to Service in the Church

Recently I was asked the question as to why there is a reluctance for people to serve in the church. Here are some ideas in response to this question: Misdirected Priorities are enemies to service – We run the risk of making good things ultimate things and seek to find our satisfaction in stuff, pleasure […]

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Rend your hearts and not your garments

My experience is that if you have been in the church for any length of time, it becomes easy to play a role and do “churchy” stuff and just go with the flow. We can put on our game face, come to church, sing three songs, give some offering, listen to a sermon and plan our lunch during the closing song.

Cancel culture in the church

I recently became aware of the term “cancel culture.” The term is new to me but the idea behind it is not. I have experienced this, and unfortunately, I usually have experienced this in the church.

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  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
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