We are continuing to discuss the origins of verbal strife. The Bible teaches that there is a close correlation between strife and a certain kind of evil suspicion. Speaking of some who were proud and had ungodly attitudes, the apostle Paul warned Timothy about those who dote “about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh …
Word and Sacrament Alone
You, like the Jews in the wilderness, are assembled on the edge of battle. You, like the Jews, are tempted to be distracted by the size of the enemy. You, like them, are all too aware of your own shortcomings and failings. You know your own sin, you know the doctrine of depravity, and you …
Man and Ishshah
Once upon a time, in the very beginning of our world, the great Creator God made the heavens and the earth. The earth was misshapen and unformed, and the Spirit of the Lord hovered over the waters. The great Creator created all things in just six days, beginning with light on the first day. On …
In the Short Run
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 61 “The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot” (Prov. 10:7) A very important part of doing business is the matter of reputation. And reputations vary-good reputations go from okay to stellar, and …
The Lord of History
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Father of history, Father of the Lord of history, God of the Spirit who directs all history, we worship You now in the power and authority of the name of Jesus, and amen. We rejoice that You have placed us at this …
Fellowship and Laughter
Father of all mercies, we thank You for the great salvation You have lavished upon us in Christ Jesus our Lord. We thank You that peace with You is not purchased by our own works, but rather by Your great grace and love. We thank You for this emblem of grace, our Sabbath meal, knowing …
Anthony Burgess
Anthony Burgess was one of the delegates to the Westminster Assembly, and was one of the men who helped to write that puppy. A very helpful correspondent wrote in to me to note that in his defense of the covenant of works, Burgess repeatedly denies the idea of merit. He put it this way — …
Oily Rags
We are considering verbal strife. Scripture teaches that such strife has certain preconditions. “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Prov. 26:20-21). The fire department tells …
Marriage As Manifest Glory XXXII
INTRODUCTION: The messages this week and next have perhaps been implicit in what has been said thus far, but there is still a need to make it explicit. This week we need to address the truth that men are stupid, and next week consider the corresponding truth that women are stupid. A more biblical way …
Harvest and Sons
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) Growing Dominion, Part 60 “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame” (Prov. 10:5). In Scripture business is closely related to family. But this is not a ancient truth, relevant …