When Christians disagree about matters of conscience, how do we sort through those differences? I recently came across a helpful chart that distills 1 Corinthians 8-10 into a decision tree to guide you through an evaluation process. Hope you will find this useful... V. Roberts, 2011 … [Read more...] about How to Sort through Questions of Conscience
Sabbath Dimensions – Rest
[This post is part of a series about observing a sabbath.] To observe a sabbath properly, you must rest. Rest is the core of sabbath keeping and its first dimension. Rest is what makes a sabbath day a sabbath day. This rest is not merely the rest of sleeping, though a good nap is certainly welcome on a sabbath. It is the rest of stopping. The Hebrew word (shabbat) behind "sabbath" means "to stop." We sometimes use the word "rest" in this way. We might say, "When he was done … [Read more...] about Sabbath Dimensions – Rest
Don’t Let the Questions Drive You from God
On a recent road trip, I listened to this sermon from Haddon Robinson, and I was so blessed by it. I hope it will be a blessing to you, too. Haddon Robinson, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 1 November 2006 … [Read more...] about Don’t Let the Questions Drive You from God
Sabbath Dimensions – Introduction
This post begins a series of posts about observing a sabbath. In this series, we will not be talking about the Sabbath Day of Old Testament Law, which is a much larger, more technical subject, but rather, we will consider it as a general spiritual principle and practice. As a spiritual principle or practice, a sabbath day can be very beneficial to your Christian journey. Indeed, many recent studies have supported this point. Observing a weekly day off can improve your spiritual (Hough, et … [Read more...] about Sabbath Dimensions – Introduction
The Angel of the Lord
Who is "the angel of the Lord"? He appears at many key moments in the Old Testament. But who is he? Is he a normal angel, like a seraphim (Isaiah 6:2) or cherubim (Genesis 3:24)? Is he an archangel? Who is he? A survey of his appearances in the Bible may be helpful. Angel of the Lord Appearances in the Bible The exact phrase "the angel of the Lord" appears in the following places: Genesis 16:1-15 (esp v. 13) - With Hagar.Genesis 22:1-19 (esp v. 11, 15-16) - With … [Read more...] about The Angel of the Lord
Living in the Now
The letter below comes from John Wood, my pastor growing up. A friend shared it with me (original post), and I have reread it many times. May its wisdom bless you. My dear children and grandchildren, I've been thinking of what I might say to you from the perspective of old age that I have not said to you in the past. You have heard me call you across the years to faith and faithfulness, to heed Solomon's advice to "fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty … [Read more...] about Living in the Now