The situation at Corinth wasn’t so different than what we find today—at least in general terms. Those who were gifted in regard to knowledge, the ability to prophesy, speaking in tongues or something else had become puffed up and arrogant in regard to their status in the community of disciples. They believed their gifts meantContinue reading “The Greatest of These”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
Not Relevant for Today?
I suppose it’s difficult for us to work up much passion when it comes to the subject of meats sacrificed to idols. After all, it hasn’t been an issue for a couple thousand years. Still, it would be a mistake to be casually dismissive of it. After all, the subject has a presence in ScriptureContinue reading “Not Relevant for Today?”
Living as Christ Lived
There’s quite a bit of confusion in our culture in regard to the body. There are those (men and women) who absolutely worship it and will stop at nothing (augment, tuck, lift, implant, fill, suction, weird diets, supplements, ridiculous treatments, bizarre clothes, etc.) in pursuing what they regard as the perfect look. Once they believeContinue reading “Living as Christ Lived”
Groaning
She’d experienced her share of tough times in life: an unfaithful husband, the economic stress that results from divorce, several relocations in an attempt to find work, etc. She settled in as our church’s secretary and found a home. Still, she was looking for more. (Aren’t we all?) I had been preaching a series ofContinue reading “Groaning”
True Power and Trusting God
When Jesus sends His disciples out to preach to the towns and villages, He tells them to “take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt” (Luke 9:3). The text doesn’t tell us exactly how long they were to be gone but we are told they went “from village toContinue reading “True Power and Trusting God”
The Account Manager Who Cooked the Books (2)
To answer this we need to add another layer to the story—that of honor and shame. A number of recent commentators have pointed out that the manager’s wasteful actions not only brought shame upon himself but also upon the rich man (who would be viewed as weak and unable to control his employee as wellContinue reading “The Account Manager Who Cooked the Books (2)”
The Account Manager Who Cooked the Books (1)
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a story at the right place and time is worth at least that many words of facts, figures, and data. People who make commercials understand this so rather than push information on us they pull us in through characters like Flo of Progressive or Jake fromContinue reading “The Account Manager Who Cooked the Books (1)”
Following Jesus in Determination
The professional exam lasted the entire day. He had been preparing for it for several months. This included hours of study, answering a few thousand practice questions, and attending a four day seminar in another state at a personal cost of $1,300. The exam was taken on a computer. During the test, a storm movedContinue reading “Following Jesus in Determination”
First Principles
It’s not uncommon (wherever you are) to hear someone say, “We need more teaching and preaching on first principles.” That may or may not be true—it depends upon the particular situation and circumstances they’re part of. I’m much more interested in exploring what we mean by the phrase “first principles.” My guess is that inContinue reading “First Principles”
Fearing Wrong and Trusting Right
Fearfulness is an overarching theme of Luke 12:1-34. Although the words of Jesus range from encouraging His disciples to remain strong in the face of persecution, a story about a foolish farmer, to teaching His disciples to be kingdom seekers above all else—the common thread is fearfulness. “Fear,” “afraid,” and “worry” occur 11 times inContinue reading “Fearing Wrong and Trusting Right”
