“If the apostle Paul would not allow an inspirited prophetess — whose words were from the Spirit himself — to join in the weighing and sifting of the prophetic utterances, then why would he let her do it just because she has an MDiv from Fuller? (Why Ministers Must be Men, p. 29).
Gratitude Would Be It
“I doubt that there is such a thing as a measure of spirituality, but if there is, gratitude would be it. Only the grateful are paying attention. They are grateful because they pay attention, and they pay attention because they are so grateful” (Barnes, The Pastor as Minor Poet, p. 64).
The Dregs of the Last Christendom
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich has given an important speech on the threat posed to us by Sharia law and the encroachments of Islamic fundamentalism. He was right to do so, but like so many, the ground where he wants to stand in this fight is ground that gives way under his feet. Sharia law …
With Eyes Open, in Other Words
And here is a sane defense of voting GOP. Worth reading.
All for Nothing
In exchange for a pleasing dance, Herod is willing to give away up to half his kingdom (Mark 6:23). The devil is a piker. The Lord is pleased to give us the entirety of His kingdom (Luke 12:32). In exchange for everything we have — which isn’t much, let me tell you — God is …
Phoebe Our Sister
INTRODUCTION: In this last chapter of Romans, Paul says his farewells, gives various greetings, and does so in a way as to teach us many invaluable things. Some might wonder what kind of message we might get out of a passage in which Paul basically says hi to everyone the Roman church phone directory, but …
Faith Must Have Something in Its Hands
When we gather at this Table, we are partaking of Christ and we are partaking with Christ. The thing that makes this an efficacious blessing is of course faith, but this faith does not work apart from what it was told to do. We were told to eat and drink, and so believing faith eats …
Let Me Count the Ways
Flattery is deadly, and before you start flattering others, you must first flatter yourself. The reason it is such a deadly sin is that it is the sin that hides from you your clear need to repent. Flattery rushes up to you as soon as the Holy Spirit has convicted you of something, and hastens …
A Nation of Flatterers
Our Father and God, You have established Your Church as a royal priesthood in this world, and so we intercede for the nations of men now, confessing on their behalf so that the grace of Your forgiveness will soon be extended to them all. We acknowledge that we are nation of flatterers, and that we …
A Limerick for the URC
There was a conservative and Dutchy denom That passed a report with indignant aplomb. But we never bleed, If our critics can’t read, And so here’s to a missing-the-point pheenom. . . . I don’t believe I have ever footnoted a limerick before, so here you go.