Steve Kneale writes that we should stop calling faithfulness a sacrifice. He argues that it is not a sacrifice to obey God’s commands and stay faithful to Christ because, the things we are being asked to give up are not good for us, we are being asked to turn our back on sin and idolatry. … Continue reading It’s no sacrifice … or is it?
Tag: sin
The toxic danger of gossip for both men and women
I recently engaged with an article that described gossip and slander as “the curse of women.” The article has since been withdrawn, I suspect one if those articles written in haste and frustration at specific circumstances. However, the association of women specifically with gossip is a common misconception. I found that phrasing unhelpful because I don’t… Continue reading The toxic danger of gossip for both men and women
Food from around the worldwide web
What are theologians for? The case of Karl Barth’s adultery. An illuminating and challenging read. Though it raises questions about what we do with the sins of other big names in church history. What do we do for example with those who kept slaves? 5 signs a pastor is over committed: learn to accept your… Continue reading Food from around the worldwide web
Grace
Despite the judgement on Cain, once again, God is not done with mankind. Cain and his wife have children and they in turn have children. Read Genesis 4:17-26 Common Grace First, we see through Cain’s line how God blesses humanity as promised, enabling and equipping them to carry out the work of filling and subduing. … Continue reading Grace
The verdict
God has come to meet with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they have been caught in their sin and their guilt and shame is exposed. Instead of taking responsibility they look for ways to blame each other and the serpent. God does not allow them to use the blame game to get… Continue reading The verdict
The blame game
How do you respond when you are caught in sin? Are you able to own up quickly, even before you are caught? Or do you seek to deny the sin and even to blame others? Read Genesis 3:9-13 God calls out to the man “Where are you?” The man’s response is not exactly straight. In… Continue reading The blame game
Failure
Satan has launched at attack on Eden, seeking to tempt Adam and Eve to disobey God’s one command, he casts doubt on God’s truthfulness and goodness. How will they respond? Read Genesis 3:5-8 The woman observes three things about the fruit. It looks good, it is suitable food – suggesting it is likely to taste… Continue reading Failure
Sinners in the hand of an angry God? A response to Beth Moore
Sinners in the hands of an angry God is the title of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, the New England preacher and pastor associated with the Great Awakening. It is a controversial one in our day and age. Steve Chalke particularly objected to it in his book, The Lost Message of Jesus. Now, Beth Moore… Continue reading Sinners in the hand of an angry God? A response to Beth Moore
Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)
Jesus has a serious warning for those who lead others into sin. He says: it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. God has a great love and concern for the vulnerable and so we have a great responsibility for them. … Continue reading Millstones and amputations (Mark 9:42-50)
Are you ready to have the tough conversations?
If you are a pastor or elder in the church, then your responsibility is to provide and protect. We see this in Acts 20:28-31 28 “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood[h]—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.[i] 29 I know that false teachers, like… Continue reading Are you ready to have the tough conversations?
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