The following article appeared in our local paper last week. It is a revision of something I posted a few years ago. *** When I was new to faith, I attended a prayer meeting at church. As we prayed, the formation of the first man, Adam, came to mind: I imagined particles of dust swirling…
Tag: Body of Christ
IN
In 1 Thessalonians chapter four, Paul turns to discussing behavior and growing in separation to the Lord (1 Thess. 4:1-12). But he starts with a phrase, easily overlooked, that provides vital context for what follows: “We ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus….” (1 Thess. 4:1). In other words, “in Jesus” is where Paul’s…
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…
The Fall of the Church
Last year, my father-in-law gave me a copy of a book called, The Mystery of God: Christ All and in All by Manfred Haller. It is a rich work that dwells on the mighty subject of God’s eternal desire. Below is an excerpt from chapter 20, “The Fall of the Church”. *** There are plenty…
Yours, Mine, Ours
In my experience, most people like to talk. Fewer listen. People are keenly interested in what they’re saying. Fewer ask questions or show as much interest when listening. It’s one of those little evidences of the fall. Conversation is more self-centered than other-centered. This also plays out spiritually. When I talk to God, I tend…
Life through the One New Man
Early in my walk with the Lord, I attended a prayer meeting at church. As we prayed, Adam’s formation came to mind: I imagined particles of dust swirling together, sculpting Adam’s body in mid air (Gen. 2:7). When the body was formed, God breathed life into the whole of him. Adam rose to his feet….
Transplant
At church on Sunday, we discussed Colossians chapter three. The Lord confronted me through the first few verses: “So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For…
David & Michal
One of the high points of King David’s reign was when he brought the ark into Jerusalem. Priests carried the ark into the city of David. Wearing a linen ephod (priestly boxers), David danced and leapt around worshiping with abandon. The people blew the top off the city with shouts, praises, and trumpet blasts. It was…
Mosaics, Quilts, and Piles of Socks
What should church “look like?” How should we “do church?” I hear these and similar questions bandied about regularly. There are lots of different answers. Some say we should “do church” like they did in the New Testament. In reality, there was no single New Testament way of “doing church.” There was a mosaic of…
My Sister, My Bride
The following are lyrics to a song the Lord gave me a few years ago. (Listen to the song here). The words are based on Song of Songs 4:8-5:1. At the time of their writing, Solomon was poetically praising his lover. In the Spirit, we can hear Jesus singing a love song to His bride,…
The Voice of One 