-->Coercion [material]—I’m right and my way is better… People desire knowledge and power; People are (each) radically autonomous, their desire is contrary to headship: They are each against each, in a natural state of self-interest; Their attempt(s) at quiet & peaceful enjoyment is short, at best. Covenant [formal]—a relationship by/under headship… Authority is intended and ...

-->Acts 2 displays a glorious picture of single-mindedness. Converts from 15 (count them) people groups—exhibiting numerous and significant differences—found themselves to be of one mind in all things necessary for Christian communion. Where their human nature had promoted dissimilation, these converts were at once supernaturally assimilated…, they were made recipients of “the mind of Christ” ...

-->Engelbert Humperdinck’s lyrics set the stage nicely but end, sadly, in loneliness and disappointment. The music has been playing for nearly 2000 years now and this is, in no uncertain terms, the last waltz! Knowing the uniqueness of this last go-round and the uniqueness of the One who ushered you to the dance floor is ...

-->Thanks Riley! for preaching a great message on Christian: Privilege, Perspective, and Peter’s Pep-talk, as associated with 1 Peter 1. I’ve been reflecting on the overwhelming abuses that the ideas therein do suffer in our day… Psalm 139 is one of the great places to turn to be reminded of God’s omniscience. Verse 4 uses the ...

-->Hebrews 7:28 gives us four important distinctions to guide us in our understanding of Christ as our High priest relative to Aaron, his sons, and anything Levitical or otherwise Judaistic: the law that appoints men is distinct from the eternal [oath] law of Christ’s appointment; further, the persons and their respective state/condition are also distinct: ...

-->Is there too much mystery and not enough theology in church conversation today? It may be because there are few with ears to hear and eyes to see. Or it may be due to a total collapse of sound theological methodology. Does knowing the details of Christ’s incarnation (Hebrews 2:10-11; 7:26) help you proceed theologically? ...

-->Wow, we had a great Baptism and Membership Sunday! I thought it appropriate to encourage a conversation about church membership expectations. What do you expect from the church, from your fellow church members? And having just watched The Kennedys, I was reminded of JFK’s famous words “ask not what your country can do for you; ...

-->We (the royal we) have been harping on the need to read Scripture, as Christians rather than as Judaisers (antichristian). Various passages of Scripture point to this: Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Romans 11:36. Indulge me in a challenge to us all, to find and share more passages underscoring the need to challenge Judaistic interpretations in ...

-->The trustworthiness of God is found in the doctrine of Christ Alone (Solus Christus) and any surety, assurance, or certainty to be enjoyed within Christianity can only be found in this doctrine (Hebrews 7:22). It has been shown that people flourish in certain, dependable, and sure contexts. So, I ask, what good is a deficient ...

-->In a world full of worries, heartache, stress, tough decisions, painful situations, awkward moments, natural disasters, and financial meltdowns, it is always helpful to have the right perspective.  Of course when you are the one going through whatever difficulty it may be that is the last thing you may want to hear.  When you loose ...