Scripture tells us to strengthen the things that remain—strengthen the things that appear to have some lingering stability. Shore up the permanent things. But because of our penchant for idolatry, we sometimes make a grave mistake when it comes to this. We see churches and cathedrals built centuries ago, and we think that the stone …
The Authority is Not in Technique
“Moreover, men of high talent can speak effectively in any way. Luther laid on his back, bound hand and foot, would have preached impressively” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 407).
Private Edification Kept Private
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #164 “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?” (1 Cor. 14:6). Paul allows …
The Reply to Imagination Schlock
“The excessive display of second-rate imagination which some men make so offensive, drives other men to the opposite extreme, so that they shrink from illustration and imagery where they are really needful” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 405).
Surveying the Text: Deuteronomy
Introduction: Remember that the Exodus happened around 1440 B.C., and the book of Deuteronomy was given at the tail end of the forty years in the wilderness, just a short time prior to the invasion of Canaan. This puts it right around 1400 B.C. The name Deuteronomy refers to a “second giving” of the law. …
Where the Transformation Occurs
As you know, you are worshiping God in a Protestant church. This means, of course, that we do deny certain things, and this lines up with the common modern understanding of the word. The word Protestant is thought of as a variant of protestor. But in the Reformation the term was originally more of an …
A Staging Area
A church building is a staging area, designed for God’s people to use in fulfilling the mission. The mission is the evangelization of the world—for the universal church—and the evangelization of our locale, for the local church. As a staging area, we have to be able to see past it. Marshaling and assembling the troops …
The Point of Prophecy
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #163 “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but …
Surveying the Text: Numbers
Introduction: The dates for Numbers encompass the entire 40 years in the wilderness, following the Exodus in 1440 B.C.—and it extends throughout that 40 year period. The name of the book comes from the fact that it contains the results of two censuses. To the modern reader, the book can seem like something of a …
To Live and Die as Christians
We gather at this Table weekly. As we do, we should remember that there are three elements to what we do. The first is invocation. We acknowledge God’s presence here with us, and indeed, we invite it. We call upon Him. Second, we rejoice before Him with thanksgiving. This is a Table of thanksgiving and …