The Voice of One

Circulation

First Thessalonians three finds Paul relieved that the Thessalonians are continuing to believe Jesus despite persecution: “For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord” (1 Thess. 3:8). This is an expression of happiness but also much more. Paul has written much about the Thessalonians’ participation in the sufferings of Jesus, as well…

Incar-Nation

The following is adapted from my booklet, This Is What Is Written *** In the time of Christ, the temple and Israel’s nation status were two pillars of Jewish identity. Many Jews at that time saw the nation of Israel as an end in itself, the goal of God’s plan in the earth. This was…

Beyond Needing Again

Just before dying, Jacob prophesies over each of his sons. The prophecies can’t be called blessings, exactly. They are honest appraisals. Some soar with praise: Joseph is called prince and compared to a fruitful vine by a spring. Judah is predicted to rule his brothers. Others are tongue lashed: Reuben for sleeping with one of…

All Saints, Every Day

The evening of October 31st, or Hallowe’en, marks the beginning of All Saints Day. All Saints Day is observed by various Christian groups, and is most often a remembrance of canonized saints. These are believers who meet criteria set by the denomination celebrating them. Generally, these criteria involve especial holiness, the performance of miracles, exceptional…

I Am Not the Christ

This post has been on my mind so I thought I’d repost it *** It may sound absurd, but it’s true: we often take it upon ourselves to be Christ. Usually, we do so unconsciously, out of a sincere desire to be like Jesus, and not because we consciously wish to supplant Him. So, we…

Laid into Suffering

In 1 Thessalonians 2:17 and 18, Paul remembers being forced to leave Thessalonica—their time cut short by a mob that attacked, abused, and jailed some of them (Acts 17:5-9). Paul talks affectionately of their desire to return but says satan hindered them. Acts 17:13-15 tells the full story: Paul and co. went to Berea after…

The One Who Fills God’s Heart

“How can a young man stay pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9-11). My son is memorizing Psalm 119:9-11 for school. As we…

Crispy Witches and Witchy Christians

Earlier this week, my mind drifted to the witch trials in Salem. Along with the crusades and the inquisitions, the witch trials are something that make most Christians want to crawl under a rock. But we can’t. The trials happened. From there, my mind wandered to a comment C.S. Lewis made in Mere Christianity. People today…

The Chosen One(s)

Near the end of his life, Jacob told Joseph that Joseph’s sons would be as his own sons. Because of this, Jacob asked to bless them. Joseph brought Manasseh, his first born, and Ephraim, his second born, to Jacob. According to natural order, Jacob would’ve placed his right hand on Manasseh, thereby conferring the greater…

Lovers of Wisdom

Now that we had it mounted and filleted—each limb splayed, pierced through, and neatly stuckto a pan—we were ready to gut it and discuss. So there it was.But we had to prove it. (Everything had to be proved).And so,ontological arguments were brought forward,arguments by design and by excellence,arguments by first cause and by teleology.One guy…