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Jul 2014 31 Jul 31, 2014

Yesterday I cited the work of Douglas Stuart who believes we have mistranslated two important OT passages. The first was Genesis 3:8. Today we turn to the second text, Proverbs 22:6. There the ESV renders: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Continue reading . . . Yesterday I cited the work of Douglas Stuart who believes we have mistranslated two important OT passages. The first was Genesis 3:8. Today w...Read More

Jul 2014 30 Jul 30, 2014

In a recent article in Bibliotheca Sacra (171, July-September 2014; 259-73), the theological journal of Dallas Theological Seminary, Douglas K. Stuart of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has provided us with a fascinating article. In it he challenges two traditional translations of well-known texts. Continue reading . . . In a recent article in Bibliotheca Sacra (171, July-September 2014; 259-73), the theological journal of Dallas Theological Seminary, Douglas K. Stu...Read More

Jul 2014 29 Jul 29, 2014
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I was somewhat surprised by a recent blog post (July 10, 2014) by Jim Hamilton of Southern Seminary, Louisville. You may recall that Jim was one of my dialogue partners at the Evening of Eschatology hosted by John Piper and Bethlehem Baptist Church. Continue reading . . . I was somewhat surprised by a recent blog post (July 10, 2014) by Jim Hamilton of Southern Seminary, Louisville. You may recall that Jim was one of my dialogue partners at the Evening of Eschatology ho...Read More

Jul 2014 28 Jul 28, 2014
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I just finished reading John Piper’s most recent book, Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully: The Power of Poetic Effort in the Work of George Herbert, George Whitefield, and C. S. Lewis (Crossway, 158 pp.). In my opinion, this is the best volume yet in his The Swans are not Silent series and I highly recommend you get it. Continue reading . . . I just finished reading John Piper’s most recent book, Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully: The Power of Poetic Ef...Read More

Jul 2014 24 Jul 24, 2014
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I was recently captivated (and still am!) with something I saw in Hebrews 3:1. It’s one of those statements that we rarely pause to consider, but this time was different. What caught my attention was the way in which the author of this letter describes those who by God’s grace have considered Jesus and put their faith in him. They (we!) are among those “who share in a heavenly calling” (v. 1a). Continue reading . . . I was recently captivated (an...Read More

Jul 2014 23 Jul 23, 2014
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In the previous article I wrote about the importance and necessity of perseverance in faith and how such endurance and continuation in our hope is the evidence of a genuinely born-again life. But it’s also important to take note of the provision God has made to enable his children to persevere. Continue reading . . . In the previous article I wrote about the importance and necessity of perseverance in faith and how such endurance and continuation in our hope is th...Read More

Jul 2014 22 Jul 22, 2014
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Preaching through the Epistle to the Hebrews compels one, whether he likes it or not, to face head on the question of perseverance. This letter more than any other in the NT addresses the importance and urgency of remaining and enduring over time in the faith that we profess. Continue reading . . . Preaching through the Epistle to the Hebrews compels one, whether he likes it or not, to face head on the question of perseverance. This letter more than any other in the NT ...Read More

Jul 2014 21 Jul 21, 2014

We’ve been looking at our responsibilities in view of the fact that “the end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 3:7a). We’ve come to the third and fourth of Peter’s exhortations. Continue reading . . . We’ve been looking at our responsibilities in view of the fact that “the end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 3:7a). We’ve come to the third and fourth of Peter’s exhortations. Here again is how the Apostle put...Read More

Jul 2014 18 Jul 18, 2014

If the “end” is near, how ought we to live? Continue reading . . . In the previous article I asked a question that was provoked by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 4:7-11. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to...Read More

Jul 2014 17 Jul 17, 2014
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It is widely reported (but may not be true) that the great 16th century Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, once said: “If I knew for sure that Jesus was coming back tomorrow, I’d plant a tree today.” Continue reading . . . It is widely reported (but may not be true) that the great 16th century Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, once said: “If I knew for sure that Jesus was coming back tomorrow, I’d plant a tree today.” Luther wasn&...Read More

Jul 2014 16 Jul 16, 2014
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It’s important for us to remember that the Incarnation involves far more than merely the idea of God becoming flesh and blood in the person of Jesus. The Son of God might conceivably have become a human being in Jesus of Nazareth and then lived out his life distant, cut off, and altogether remote from us and our struggles and our temptations. Continue reading . . . It’s important for us to remember that the Incarnation involves far more than merely the idea ...Read More

Jul 2014 15 Jul 15, 2014
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Is it possible to be a Christian without going to church? Kelly Bean says Yes in her new book, How to Be a Christian Without Going to Church: The Unofficial Guide to Alternative Forms of Christian Community. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2014. 240 pp. $14.99. Gavin Ortlund begs to differ and has written an excellent review and critique of this tragically misguided book. Continue reading . . . Is it possible to be a Christian without going to church? Kelly Bean says Yes in he...Read More

Jul 2014 14 Jul 14, 2014
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What accounts for the relational disasters, financial corruption, and moral failures that continue to erupt in our local churches? There are undoubtedly numerous explanations that could be cited, but I want to focus on one that most people typically ignore: bad and unbiblical ecclesiology. Continue reading . . . What accounts for the relational disasters, financial corruption, and moral failures that continue to erupt in our local churches? There are undoubtedly numerou...Read More

Jul 2014 11 Jul 11, 2014
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I often hear from my cessationist friends that Hebrews 2:3-4 speaks against the notion that the so-called miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are still operative today. Continue reading . . . I often hear from my cessationist friends that Hebrews 2:3-4 speaks against the notion that the so-called miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are still operative today. The author of Hebrews says that the gospel message “was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested ...Read More

Jul 2014 10 Jul 10, 2014

I want to draw your attention to an extremely helpful and somewhat recent website, Books at a Glance (www.booksataglance.com). It provides numerous reviews and summaries of recent books and is an excellent way to stay up-to-date with what is being published. Continue reading . . . I want to draw your attention to an extremely helpful and somewhat recent website, Books at a Glance (www.booksataglance.com). It provides numerous reviews and summaries of recent books and is...Read More

Jul 2014 9 Jul 9, 2014
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Hebrews 4:4-8 is surely one of the more controversial and complex passages in the NT. Contrary to what some may think, the aim of the author is not to cause those who are truly saved to be fearful that they aren’t. Its aim is to cause those who are not truly saved but think they are to repent. Continue reading . . . Hebrews 4:4-8 is surely one of the more controversial and complex passages in the NT. Contrary to what some may think, the aim of the author is not to...Read More

Jul 2014 8 Jul 8, 2014
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What? Are you serious, or is this some sort of joke? Trust me, I’m entirely serious. The question was raised in the most recent issue of Christianity Today magazine (July / August 2014, 30-31). Three answers were given. Two of them were Yes, but for different reasons. One respondent said, Yes, to Heal the Abused. Another said, Yes, to Shine in the Dark. I have to say I didn’t find their arguments convincing. Continue reading . . . What? Are you serious, or i...Read More

Jul 2014 7 Jul 7, 2014
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[Andrew Wilson is fast becoming one of my favorite bloggers. He writes at www.thinktheology.co.uk. The following article was posted by Wilson last Wednesday, July 2, and deserves everyone’s close attention.] Continue reading . . . [Andrew Wilson is fast becoming one of my favorite bloggers. He writes at www.thinktheology.co.uk. The following article was posted by Wilson last Wednesday, July 2, and deserves everyone’s close attention.] "When people...Read More

Jul 2014 3 Jul 3, 2014
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On June 18 of this year an article was posted on the Charisma news service blog with the intriguing title, “Were the Disciples Stupid or Will Jesus Restore Israel?” The discussion concerned the response of Jesus to a question asked by his disciples in Acts 1:6 – “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’” Continue reading . . . On June 18 of this year an article ...Read More

Jul 2014 2 Jul 2, 2014

We’ve been looking at Philippians 4:10-20 and Paul’s perspective on money. I’ve made three comments thus far and will bring this to a close today with my final two observations. Continue reading . . . We’ve been looking at Philippians 4:10-20 and Paul’s perspective on money. I’ve made three comments thus far and will bring this to a close today with my final two observations. But first let’s read the text again. “I rejo...Read More

Jul 2014 1 Jul 1, 2014

In this brief series of articles on money, I want us to look closely at what Paul says in the final paragraph of his letter to the Philippians. Continue reading . . . In this brief series of articles on money, I want us to look closely at what Paul says in the final paragraph of his letter to the Philippians. Here is what he wrote: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you ...Read More