For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2:13-15 ESV) I have always struggled to understand this passage. I have read some very good … Continue reading Saved Through Childbearing?: Kostenberger’s View of 1 Tim 2:13-15
Priorities in Finding A Godly Spouse from Genesis 24
In Genesis 24, Abraham decides that it is time for his beloved son Isaac to have a wife. Now, in Abraham's day, as in some places in the world still today, marriages were "arranged" by the families of the bride and groom. So, like all good dads of his time and place in history, Abraham arranged … Continue reading Priorities in Finding A Godly Spouse from Genesis 24
The Theme of Joy in Philippians
Joy is a central theme in the book of Philippians. There are 15 explicit references to some form of either the noun “joy” (chara in Greek) or the verb “rejoice” (chairo) in this short letter. Paul prays for the Philippian believers with joy (chara) because of their partnership with him in the gospel. (1:4-5) He rejoices (chairo) … Continue reading The Theme of Joy in Philippians
Rejoice in the Lord Always?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4 ESV) Always rejoice? Always? How is it possible to rejoice even in the most difficult of times? For the believer in Christ, I want to argue that this is essential. And I want to show that what makes it possible is the phrase … Continue reading Rejoice in the Lord Always?
The Tomb Is Empty!
In my previous post, What is so "good" about Good Friday, I listed a few of the things that Scripture says were accomplished by Christ's death on the cross. But I also acknowledged the centrality of the resurrection to Christianity. Our faith is worthless if Christ is not alive. Instead of evidences for the resurrection … Continue reading The Tomb Is Empty!
Please Save! From What?
On that first Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem to cries of, "Please save!" ("Hosanna!"). (Matthew 21:1-11) Within days, many of those same people were crying, "Crucify him!". (Matthew 27:22-23) The palm branches that they waved at Jesus were symbols of military victory and nationalistic power, but Jesus rode in on a donkey - a … Continue reading Please Save! From What?
This is a review of one of my favorite books on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. I am reblogging it this year for Easter week. I hope you enjoy it.
Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, by one of my favorite New Testament scholars and theologians, Dr. D.A. Carson is a great read for Holy Week, or anytime. Dr. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School since 1978, has penned over 50 books. In Scandalous, Carson has written a work on the cross and the resurrection suitable for individual or small group study, as well as meditation and reflection on the central events of our faith. He has written with characteristic depth of insight and wisdom. The chapters of the book are actually a collection of sermons preached by Dr. Carson at Mars Hill Church’s Bible Conference in 2008.
One of my favorite chapters of the book, Chapter 4, is an exposition John 11, Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead. Carson, in reference to Lazarus of Bethany in John 11:3, and other passages…
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The Word Who Creates and Sustains Everything Became Flesh
You really can't meditate on the significance of Christmas without coming back repeatedly to the prologue to John's gospel. It is worth looking at John 1:1-3, 14 again here. These rich verses point out clearly that Jesus is eternal ("in the beginning" Jesus was there), and that he is the embodiment of God's complete revelation … Continue reading The Word Who Creates and Sustains Everything Became Flesh
Christmas From 30,000 Feet
It is possible to get so caught up in the details of Christmas that we lose the overall significance of this amazing God-becoming-man miracle called the incarnation. Take some time this week to step out of the details and take a 30,000 foot fly-over of what really happened at the incarnation. To do that, I … Continue reading Christmas From 30,000 Feet
Enormous Sin, Extravagant Gospel
Is the Christian life about doing more and trying harder, or is about resting in what Christ has already done? Is it about your performance for God, or His performance for you? The answers to those questions reveal whether you are trusting in a false gospel of "Christianity And" or the gospel of biblical Christianity … Continue reading Enormous Sin, Extravagant Gospel
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