Just two quick comments about the abuse of prisoners by Americans in Iraq. The first thing that such appalling behavior shows is that the people doing it were simultaneously wicked and idiotic. “Here, let’s do something that will outrage everyone in the world, were it to become known, and — I know! — let’s take …
Empty Wombs and Empty Schools
As it is now conducted in the United States, Christian education is being offered an opportunity that is simultaneously glorious and grim. It is glorious because God has blessed us with fruitful families, and He has given us a heart to return to covenantal faithfulness in how we bring up our children. More and more …
Hard and Hollow
Once there was a family on a picnic, and they were interrupted by a fierce hailstorm. The father told everyone to run for the car, and so there they sat, watching the hailstones as they rained down upon all their things, sitting out in an open place in the meadow. Fortunately, the car was under …
Sermon Outlines
I finally got some sermon outlines posted, off to the left. Sorry about the delay. The current series is in the book of Galatians, which is just one message from being complete.
Galatians 20
INTRODUCTION Paul has already told us that the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit are inconsistent with one another. But a problem is caused because people who live according to the two “lists” have to associate with one another, both in the world and in the church. Now what? There is …
Galatians 19
INTRODUCTION The principle is firmly established already. Paul is building up to the point that false religion is the foundation of all false living. Just as believing lives are built upon the truth of God, so false lives are built on the lies of righteousness-mongers. THE TEXT: But if ye be led of the Spirit, …
Galatians 18
INTRODUCTION We have seen that the lines of descent from Sarah and Hagar are fluid. We are now coming to the great truth that the family resemblance borne in these lines is also obvious. Sons of Abraham do the works of Abraham. The text today closes on the threshold of Paul’s great description of the …
Galatians 17
INTRODUCTION The lines of descent from Sarah and Hagar are fluid. In other words, physical sons of Sarah can become Ishmaelites through unbelief. Physical sons of Hagar can come in faith to Christ and be adopted into Israel. That which God uses to determine which way it goes is faith which He imparts as a …
Galatians 16
INTRODUCTION The meaning of the two sons in this passage is absolutely basic to all spiritual wisdom. If we listen to carnal whispers will get this all tangled up—and we must not. THE TEXT: Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that …
Galatians 15
INTRODUCTION The outline of Paul’s appeal is now plain. He then turns to make a personal appeal to the Galatians. Their potential apostasy involves much more than simply following an argument—although it includes that. That “much more” has to do with their personal relationship with Paul himself. THE TEXT: Brethren, I beseech you, be as …