So once again it is time to discuss pastoral combativeness as a virtue. This is not to say that pastors have some sort of a double-00 rating allowing them to be pugnacious or difficult to get along with. On the contrary, Scripture plainly teaches that one of the qualifications for ministry is that a man …
Surveying the Text: Samuel
Introduction Treating our two books of Samuel as one book, we find it to be repository of some truly great Bible stories. But more than this, it represents the tale of three very complex characters—Samuel, Saul, and David. And behind all of that, not to mention underneath, we see the promises and mercies of the …
Savior of the World #3
Introduction: As Scripture instructs, we must be adult in our understanding. But we must also cultivate what Luke records in the books of Acts when he says that the early Christians ate their bread with gladness and simplicity of heart. We may be refreshed with both when we come to understand the water of life. …
Pulpit Honesty
“Stealing sermons is utterly indefensible. A preacher ought to be an honest man throughout. Sincerity, godly sincerity, should characterize him intellectually, as well as morally. His plans ought to be the genuine work of his own brain” (Shedd, Homiletics and Pastoral Theology, p. 121)
A Profound Mystery
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength” (Rev. 1:16). The description of Jesus Christ continues in the same vein. Here …
Unsurprising Surprise
We may take it as a settled principle that the more obvious impending judgment is, the less obvious it is. This clearly requires qualification. It is glaringly obvious to those who know how to read a story, and it is opaque to those whose behavior calling for judgment is the driving force of the story. …
Surveying the Text: Daniel
Introduction: The theme of the book of Daniel is the universal sovereignty of Jehovah over all the nations of men. This sovereignty was active through God’s providential oversight of historical events in the time of the Old Testament. But the book is also rich in promises with regard to the coming new era, the time …
Surveying the Text: Esther
Introduction: In the book of Esther, God is never mentioned, but is everywhere present. His providence surrounds all the events and characters. If we think about it carefully, we can perhaps see why a human author is not mentioned. This account has a very plain way of presenting itself—“story by God.” The Text: “And let …
Savior of the World #2
Introduction: Far too many Christians take a phrase from Luther without the faith of Luther. They do believe that this world is “with devils filled,” but have no knowledge of the “one little word” which fells the evil one. That one little word is cross. Christ is the Savior of the world—not only because He …
Surveying the Text: Ezra Nehemiah
Introduction: We have before us the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which were probably one book originally. Moreover, it is also quite possible that Chronicles/Ezra/Nehemiah was originally one book. As we consider this, it would obviously be helpful for you not only to read through these books, but also through the book of Esther, as …