There are parallels between the story found in Daniel six and the modern church. Lately Daniel 6 is often referenced in light of COVID-19 restrictions to church gatherings. To summarize the context to Daniel six: Daniel - who was living in Babylon under the authority of King Darius - was set up by the governors … [Read more...]
The Silver Chair and Prayer
The thought came to me the other day that there's something of a connection between C. S. Lewis' The Silver Chair and prayer. The following analogy may not be perfect or true of everybody, but it's mostly on point from my personal experiences. The Silver Chair was, chronologically, the second last book in Lewis' seven … [Read more...]
The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith
The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith - this post's title is derived from a chapter in a book by Ian Hamilton "The Faith-Shaped Life." The focus of Hamilton's chapter is Christian love and grace. It struck a chord with me and initiated some personal reflection and examination. Hence the following thoughts, once … [Read more...]
The Nature of Our Hope
What is the Nature of Our Hope? Is it not the redemption of our sick dying bodies and our wicked natures? And is not that hope found in Christ's accomplished work on our behalf? In Prayer and Spiritual Warfare (Saved in Hope), Charles Spurgeon wrote, Our hope of being completely delivered from sin in our spirits … [Read more...]
Did God the Father Create the Son?
Did God the Father create the Son? Those who affirm this hold to a doctrine called Arianism. Essentially Arianism states that God the Father created the Son out of nothing. The Son was the First of Creation and from Him everything else was created. It was proposed early in the 4th century by the Alexandrian presbyter … [Read more...]
The Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5
What did the Apostle Paul mean by the expression "peace and safety" before the Day of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 5? What can we say about its timing? Is it pretribulational? Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the … [Read more...]
Extravagant Grace – Scandal of the Gospel
Extravagant Grace - Scandal of the Gospel. This idea forms a chapter in The Gospel-Shaped Life by Ian Hamilton. The gospel is so gracious in mercy; some may actually be scandalized by it. Do you find it hard to pray for some people, say certain politicians and activists who incite violence? I do. I confess to … [Read more...]
Imago Dei – Made in the Image of God
Imago Dei means made in the image of God. All ethnic groups, whether male or female - or whatever they think themselves to be - are without exception made in the image of God. Black Lives do Matter - All Lives Matter, whatever one's ethnicity. Even pre-born babies! Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, … [Read more...]
Man was Originally Made to Rejoice
Man was originally made to rejoice. He was not made to mourn. Charles Spurgeon was a man who suffered from ill health and quite often depression. Yet he wrote about joy and hope. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 Christ's Joy and … [Read more...]
The Lord Jesus Christ is Coming Soon
Are you ready? There will be mockers who note that people have been saying that for eons. Don't fall into the trap. Jesus is always coming soon. One day He will surprise those who are still on this earth. Always be ready. Dr. Steven Lawson recently sent out three tweets which impacted me. I'll cite them in bold. … [Read more...]
