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ResponsiveReiding

  • Margin Notes: Things I scribbled in the white spaces on Oct. 8, 2K9: Jesus’ Primer on the Signs of Greatness – Part 1

    October 8th, 2009

    greatness” At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”” (Matthew 18:1, ESV)

    Often, the 18th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is looked at as a somewhat disconnected series of scenarios. It seems more likely however that the entire section contains the multi-faceted answer of Jesus to the question posed in the first verse by His disciples.

    “Greatness.” How do we define it? What is it? And what especially does it mean to be great (let alone THE greatest) in the kingdom of heaven? Let’s take some time to consider each aspect of the answer Jesus gives them.

    (more…)

  • Margin notes: Things I scribbled in the white spaces on 10/2/2K9 – Does “if” really exist in a universe where God is truly sovereign?

    October 2nd, 2009

    questionMatthew 11:20-24 (ESV) Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

    Among the issues in theology which can give one a brain cramp, this one ranks right at the top: How a sovereign God can use the word “if”? “If” is a word, and a concept which Jesus clearly builds the rebuke in our text upon. It shows up in many other Scripture passages as well. So how are we to think in terms of “possibility” or something which may or may not happen, in light of the revelation both of God’s omniscience and sovereignty over all things?

    (more…)

  • Margin notes: Things I scribbled in the white spaces on Sept. 30. 2K9 – Faith is NOT a “work”.

    September 30th, 2009

    notes 4“And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20-22, ESV)

    ” And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.” (Matthew 9:27-31, ESV)

    Faith, is NOT a work. When this truth is lost, the preaching of a full and free offer of the Gospel, and the calling of men to faith and repentance gets lost with it. Fortunately, passages like these two give us tremendous help in untangling a knotty problem indeed.

    (more…)

  • Margin notes: Things I scribbled in the white spaces on Sept. 29, 2K9

    September 29th, 2009

    new notes 4Proverbs 29:19 (ESV) By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.

    Are you merely a servant of God, or are you also a child of God? The issue is an important one. How you think of yourself in these categories will impact how you respond to Him.

    (more…)

  • Margin notes: Things I scribbled in the white spaces on Sept. 28, 2K9

    September 28th, 2009

    notes1Proverbs 28:13 (ESV) Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

    The secrecy of sin is its power to bind. What is forced underground, hides and cannot be easily rooted out.

    (more…)

  • It’s that time again! – Off to get in touch with my inner-pig.

    August 24th, 2009

    oinkBe back around Sept. 9th.

    I “may” post once or twice while away.

    Don’t count on it.

    Hopefully I’ll get back rested up and ready to jump back in.

  • “Doing Church”

    August 19th, 2009

    church“Doing Church” is a big buzz-word topic these days. But to tell you the truth, it all seems like a buch of hub-bub to me. The nature of the Church as Christ’s Kingdom, founded, being built and approaching fulfillment – it seems to me captures the essence of “doing Church”. And if you’ll jump to the rest of this very short entry – I think you might agree that we need not complicate things so much. Instead, we need to be about the business Christ has given us to do. That way – we won’t have to “do” Church, Church will get done.

    (more…)

  • Great “new” (OLD) quote on the atonement debate.

    July 31st, 2009

    TM3cMy friend Tony Byrne over at the THEOLOGICAL MEDITATIONS blog posted a wonderful and useful quote today. It’s worth your time.  CLICK HERE! or on the image, or the link in the blog name.

    No doubt, someone will find my having links to something by Tony and James White side-by-side ironic. But, I’ve got brothers I love everywhere in Christ’s family.

  • A TRAGIC debate: Tragic, simply because it is even necessary.

    July 31st, 2009

    Sadly, a once forceful voice for Christianity – Harold Camping, campingFounder of Family Life Radio – has continued his downward spiral into deeper and deeper heresy. My prayer is, we can chalk it up to age and infirmity. Nevertheless, his specious claims on the dates of Christ’s return, errors on the Trinity, and abandonment of the Church makes responding to him necessary. In this 2 part debate with Dr. James White at Alpha & Omega Ministries, you’ll hear all you need to see Mr. Camping’s teachings for what they are. CLICK HERE, or on either of the images displayed.

    a & o THANK YOU Dr. White.

  • Biblical Counseling and the Counselor

    July 14th, 2009

    counselor“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)

    It is true in general, that there can be little true progress in putting away sin without sound doctrine. So it is also true that we can never substitute the finding out of sound doctrine for the putting away of sin. And thirdly, the true putting away of sin is never located merely in the amendment of actions – but must be accompanied with a true change of the heart.

    All of this is essential in our counseling. And it applies as much to the counselor, as to the counselee.

    (more…)

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