If we agree that Ephesians 2:1-3 describes the lost state and then say that Romans 7 describes the common Christian experience, then we imply that the gospel produces no significant practical results.
Category: Bible
Rods Wielded by Men
Christians claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah. Most Jews refute this claim. Does Jesus really fit the description of Messiah given in the Jewish scriptures?
Not only does he fit, he’s the only one who ever could. The description of the coming “Son of David” in 2 Samuel 7, draws his profile. That is, the image to which we must be conformed.
Stand Up for Jesus?
If God is God, he’s never needed us to defend him and he never will.
Signs and New Wine
Does it matter what words or names we use to describe things? I would contend that it does. Word meaning is a function of the way society uses them. While we might continue to want to use a word or phrase in a particular way, we don’t get to determine their meaning. Society does that…… Continue reading Signs and New Wine
Mere Christianity – Chapter 8 – “The Great Sin” – C.S. Lewis
I know a man who is haunted by Matthew 7:21-23. He won’t declare with 100% certainty that he is destined for eternal life and there is nothing anyone can say to assure him. Having read this quote this morning, I wonder if he is not plagued with spiritual pride. Don’t get me wrong. He’s not…… Continue reading Mere Christianity – Chapter 8 – “The Great Sin” – C.S. Lewis
Blame You
That voice in your head saying you’re in the right and everyone else is wrong is leading you down a path of isolation and pain.
False Prophets, Figs and Faithfulness
We’re a curious species. And as the saying goes, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I’m not saying that it’s bad to learn. God gave us these wonderful minds and we commit sacrilege when we discourage honest inquiry into reality. God also gave us boundaries such as the inability to see the future or to know for…… Continue reading False Prophets, Figs and Faithfulness
Simple church planting resources galore
What if the essence of church could be boiled down to two words? What if believers in Christ shared life? When we share our lives – our time, money, burdens, joys, and struggles – we experience and demonstrate the kingdom of God. When we share his life, we intentionally engage with the lost and dying…… Continue reading Simple church planting resources galore
Indispensable Unnecessary
Ever since I first read Neil Cole’s Organic Church the alarm on my phone has gone off at 10:02 every morning, Monday-Saturday. It reminds me of Jesus’ command to his disciples in Luke 10:2b that they pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into his harvest fields. That alarm just went off. I…… Continue reading Indispensable Unnecessary
Churched to Death
Why do simple church? Because Jesus told us to make disciples. ” But,” someone might respond, “aren’t sermons, Sunday School, VBS, mission trips, weekend seminars,small groups, and a myriad of other programs carried on by institutional churches just methods for making disciples?” From what I’ve observed after a couple of years of attempting to make reproducing disciples, not…… Continue reading Churched to Death
Nathan Wilkerson 