The Voice of One

The Inward Journey—Gene Edwards

Last month, someone sent me a couple books. One was, The Inward Journey by Gene Edwards. The book is a work of theological imagination. A young man, Chris (short for “Christian”), finds himself thrust into a painful season. As Chris cries and prays one day, he has a series of visions guided by a figure…

Easter Wings—George Herbert

George Herbert (1593 – 1633) was a Welsh poet and Anglican priest. He is one of the “metaphysical poets,” whose ranks include John Donne. The metaphysical poets are so named because their poems often took up spiritual themes and meditations. Several of Herberts poems are favorites of mine. Below is his poem, “Easter Wings.” The…

No Harm?

Psalm 91 talks about living under God’s protection. It details various dangers the believer will be kept from. In sum, “Because you have made the LORD—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place, no harm will come to you” (Psalm 91:9-10). Similar sentiments are expressed in other verses. Some take these verses at face value: if…

Dead in the Water

Not long ago, I was going about my day when a bit of pride strutted through my soul. I can’t even remember what it was about. But my reaction was, Ugh. Every thought of my mind is only evil all the time! I realized I was paraphrasing Genesis 6:5, where God is grieved he made mankind because…

The Stranger Inside

Because there was famine in Canaan, Jacob sent 10 of his sons to Egypt, where he heard there was grain for sale (Gen. 42:2-3). When Jacob’s sons came before Joseph, he recognized them, but they didn’t recognize him (Gen. 42:7-8). We have seen how Joseph’s life foreshadows Christ’s death and resurrection. Joseph’s brothers hated him…

Patrick of Ireland—Frank Johnson

This post is by Frank Johnson, a friend and Pastor at Chestnut Street Baptist Church. I thought I would share it in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. *** Imagine: You are 16 and walking along the beach with your family. You see about 50 longboats sailing toward shore. Fierce soldiers get out of the boats…

Despising the Lamb

The following article appeared in our local paper last weekend. It is adapted from my booklet, Despising the Lamb: Contempt for Christ in First Samuel. *** Hophni and Phineas were priests in Old Testament times (1 Sam. 1:3). The Bible says Hophni and Phineas were wicked men (1 Sam. 2:12). Why? When someone brought a…

Focus

”Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God“ (2 John 9). Notice John does not say, “Anyone who doesn’t believe in a literal seven day creation does not have God.” He does not say, “Anyone who doesn’t believe in post-millenial eschatology does not have God.” (And…

Jesus Our Drug Lord…?

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING CONTENT MAY CONTAIN SNARKINESS Recently, I read a couple things about obeying God. Both were clear obedience was not required for salvation. So far, so good. But the writings didn’t stop there: God provides for us and blesses us only if we obey; if we don’t obey, we won’t grow in holiness….

Fair and Balanced

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). I don’t know how many times the chill of impossibility has traveled up my spine as I’ve read this verse. PERFECT. BE PERFECT. No way, Jose. (Or in this case, Haysoos). While I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read this verse with…