As an example
Gossip: Evidence of a debased mind
What do you think of when you hear the term “a debased mind”? A deranged serial killer? A sexual predator? A heartless dictator? Of all the sins you would associate with “a debased mind,” how far down the list is gossip? When Paul wrote…
Principles for peacemakers
If you have worked with children in any capacity, perhaps you can picture this scene: Two children come screaming to you, fighting over a particular toy. Each insists that he had it first and that the other took it from him. The solution appears…
All the King’s men: Extraordinarily ordinary
Previously, I introduced this little mini-series considering the lives and ministries of the twelve apostles, with the intention of separate posts considering lessons from each of their lives. In every list of the apostles, the “first” is “Simon, who is called Peter” (Matthew 10:2;…
Warning and hope
Paul was no lone ranger. In general church life and in gospel ministry he surrounded himself with those who would encourage and strengthen him. Sometimes, however, other Christians deeply disappointed him. His honesty about both his encouragements and his disappointments serves to warn us…
Bushfires and the Bible
Australia is no stranger to seasonal bushfires. Stories and images of this season’s fires are impossible to miss. While the current disaster is hardly the worst in recorded history (the 1974–75 fires consumed in excess of 95 million hectares, compared to the present approximate…
All the King’s men: Introduction
Jesus’ compassion always turned into mission. His compassion for his people drove him to die for them so that they might live (John 3:16). His compassion also drove him to ensure that his mission was carried out by men—initially, twelve men—who shared his compassion…
The most optimistic time of the year
If Christmas—“with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer”—is the most wonderful time of the year, New Year’s is probably the most optimistic time of the year. It is the time of year in which, having taken some time…
Doctrine and devotion
In every generation there have been those who have downplayed the importance of doctrine. These detractors claim that it doesn’t matter what one believes so long as one lives a life of love and compassion. Doctrine causes division, they say. It is far better…
A confessing community: Salvation applied
Redemption is something that has been achieved through the historic life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That does not mean that it is an academic, intellectual reality. Instead, redemption is something that must be applied to God’s chosen people in space-time history. Confession…
A confessing community: Salvation purchased
Confession 4.5 brings us to the doctrine of justification proper, which is the central question of religion: How can I be right with (or, just before) God? We will only appreciate the magnitude of justification when we ask the right questions: Is God majestic…