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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
Home Archives for pharisee

An unwanted mirror

Posted on January 19, 2016 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

Mirror

In Matthew 23:13-33, there are recorded eight woes that Jesus pronounced upon the “scribes and Pharisees.” Jesus is harsh in his criticism as he unloads on his antagonists. The danger is that we can read these woes in a way that is not helpful or appropriate. If we take an us/them approach to these woes, […]

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: mirror, pharisee, woe

Defeating my inner Pharisee

Posted on January 23, 2013 Written by Mark McIntyre 7 Comments

Pharisee

Why do the Gospel writers spend so much ink on the Pharisees? What is the lesson we gain from this?

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: pharisee, pride

Truth – the antidote to shame

Posted on May 28, 2012 Written by Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

Shame on you

Christians are to be followers of the Truth. Truth dispels shame and as a result, shame should not be a part of any church culture.

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Body of Christ, Christ, Christianity, Church, God, Jesus, pharisee, Pharisees, Sin

Thoughts on Pharisaism inspired by Wendell Berry

Posted on May 15, 2012 Written by Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

Add or Subtract

Wendell Berry’s essay entitled “Damage” inspired thoughts about how church leaders can without intention cause damage by falling into the errors of Pharisaism.

Filed Under: Church Leadership Tagged With: God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Moses, pharisee

Beware the leaven . . . thoughts on contemplative prayer

Posted on February 22, 2012 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment

Philospher

Contemplative prayer has become a hot topic. My concern is that by applying labels and generalities we miss an opportunity to learn and grow. The danger is that we throw out the wheat along with the chaff.

Filed Under: Prayer Tagged With: Bible, Christianity, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, pharisee, psalm

Purity of heart is the means of seeing God

Posted on February 13, 2012 Written by Mark McIntyre 2 Comments

Vision of God

The Beatitude tells us that the pure in heart will see God. What does this purity look like and how will it assist vision of God? When will this vision be manifested?

Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: Beatitude, Christ, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, pharisee, Sermon on the Mount

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Eloquence

On eloquence (or lack thereof) in prayer

I must confess that I am sometimes intimidated about praying in a church gathering such as a prayer meeting or small group. My brain is not wired to call up Old Testament images about restoring what the locusts have eaten or calling down mighty angels. These references make those adept at praying sound so . . . so . . . spiritual and powerful.

Are boycotts effective in “reclaiming our culture”?

Recently I was notified that there is an American Family Association boycott of Home Depot over their LBGT policy. This morning, I was made aware of a boycott of Fort Worth public transportation because they agreed to display advertising from an atheistic group. The story can be seen by clicking on this link. I question […]

Salt Pile

Salt or Dirt, Make a Choice

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells us that we are the “salt of the earth.” In Luke 14:34-35, the theme of salt is picked up again “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. […]

Question 11

What is God’s providence?

God not only powerfully preserves and governs, but he does so in holiness and wisdom. God is big enough to bring about his plan for this world. No Caesar, no king, no dictator, no president or any world leader can thwart what God will accomplish.

On beauty and worship

While I enjoyed touring the churches, my visits were a mixed bag for me. For example, one of the more disconcerting things that I encountered was a commemortive to Charles Darwin in Westminster Abbey. I hope that I will not offend anyone when I say this, but for me Westminster Abbey was more museum than house of worship. I was awed by the rich history of England as I toured, but little about what I saw around me pointed me to worship of God

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