Two weeks ago I preached on fatherhood from Ephesians 6:4. Unfortunately, due to a congregational medical emergency, I wasn't able to conclude my message. Here is my conclusion: Some of you in here may be thinking, "What can I do? My children are all grown up and out of the house! I've blown it with my … Continue reading Fatherhood for Older Father’s
Bible
It only takes one chapter to crash and burn: Reflections on 1 Kings 1-11
The establishment of God’s kingdom in Israel takes ten long chapters to describe (1 Kings 1-10). But it only takes one chapter for the kingdom to begin to fall apart; the crash and burn is inevitable (1 Kings 11). 1 Kings opens up following the exploits of David from 2 Samuel: David is clearly king, … Continue reading It only takes one chapter to crash and burn: Reflections on 1 Kings 1-11
What Does God Really Promise Us? 10 Always True Promises
The problem with the prosperity gospel--the belief that God wants you healthy and wealthy--is not that it promises too much, but that it promises way too little. It forfeits the pattern of suffering now, glory later, which runs through the New Testament. Such teaching is also deceiving because it can lead people to despair, for … Continue reading What Does God Really Promise Us? 10 Always True Promises
Daniel’s 70 Weeks: Interacting with Jim Hamilton’s book, With the Clouds of Heaven
With fear and trembling, I am interacting with Jim Hamilton’s interpretation of Daniel’s 70 weeks found in his new book on Daniel, With the Clouds of Heaven. Fear and trembling, because Dr. Hamilton is just that—a doctor in biblical studies. And having gone to Southern, I know his grasp of the biblical languages! Now as … Continue reading Daniel’s 70 Weeks: Interacting with Jim Hamilton’s book, With the Clouds of Heaven
Jesus Is the Temple (and so much more)
Old Testament “Shadow” Fulfillment in Christ The Priesthood Christ is the True, Eternal Priest “The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:23-24) The Sacrifices Christ brought in … Continue reading Jesus Is the Temple (and so much more)
Tips for Reading Bible Prophecy
This summer at Lincroft Bible Church, we’re walking through the book of Daniel chapter-by-chapter in a series called “Exiled: Faith in a Faithless World.” Like Daniel, God’s church is living within a foreign culture as an ambassador to His kingdom. The book of Daniel teaches us how to live faithfully amidst the temptations, pressures, and … Continue reading Tips for Reading Bible Prophecy
What does Laziness Look Like?
Laziness is hard to see in ourselves, because--like greed and envy--it really begins as an inner disposition. For example, the difference between a lazy person laying on the couch, and someone simply resting on the couch is probably two-fold: inner motivation and the context of someone's overall life. Why are you sitting on the couch? … Continue reading What does Laziness Look Like?
Come Home: A Theology of Exile and Return
God created Adam and Eve as His imager-bearers in the world (Genesis 1:26-27). They had a relationship with God (they were “sons” of God) and also they had a commission over creation to be servant kings.[1] Although not specifically part of the imago dei, God marked off humanity with sexual complementarity for the basis of … Continue reading Come Home: A Theology of Exile and Return
2 Obstacles Which Keep You From God’s Mission (And What To Do About Them)
After Jonah had been in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights, he is very literally propelled outward on God’s mission: "And Yahweh spoke to the fish. And it vomited Jonah onto the dry land" (Jonah 2:10). In essence, God was giving Jonah a second chance, a fresh start. For all of Jonah’s … Continue reading 2 Obstacles Which Keep You From God’s Mission (And What To Do About Them)
Learning to Shepherd From the Good Shepherd
Christ is the Good Shepherd. As the Good Shepherd, He is first and foremost our sacrificial Savior (John 10:11). But Christ is also an example to follow in learning how to care for God’s people. It is not surprising that pastors are commanded to “shepherd” God’s people, who are also liken to a “flock” of … Continue reading Learning to Shepherd From the Good Shepherd