The King Of Glory (Matthew 21:1-11)
Charismatic leaders have deceived entire nations into following them. They have stirred up support to enter into unjust wars. They have tortured and slaughtered innocent people (oftentimes their own citizens) in order to extend their wealth and power. History is full of leaders of that sort. The King of Kings was radically different. Rather than earning wealth and power, the second person of the Trinity was willing to empty himself of his heavenly prerogatives. He humbled himself taking on flesh,…
Sure Of Better Things Hebrews 6:9-20
There is a growing body of research on the concept of hope. There is even scientific research suggesting that those who have hope are better off physically, psychologically, and socially. Researchers acknowledge that trauma can have a negative impact upon the capacity for some to experience hope. For instance, a fatal diagnosis from your doctor can deplete every ounce of will power to pursue every other goal in life. Chan Hellman, a professor at Oklahoma State University, studied the power…
Is It Possible To Fall Away? Pt. 2 Hebrews 6:4-8
The author warns his readers to grab their attention. The audience had yet to mature beyond milk to solid food (Heb 5:11-14). They were stuck still learning the elementary doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-3). Pray & Read Hebrews 6:1-8. Three primary interpretations of this passage: 1. Genuine Christians who lose their salvation which would be contrary to Scripture that speaks to the perseverance of the saints (Phil 1:6). 2. This is only a hypothetical description. However, nothing in the text indicates…
Is It Possible To Fall Away? Pt. 1
Jesus is greater than the angels and Moses. He is a superior high priest. But before he can elaborate upon Christ’s superiority, he warns his readers to grab their attention. The audience had yet to mature beyond milk to solid food (Heb 5:11-14). They were stuck still learning the elementary doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-3). Pray & Read Hebrews 6:4-8. In 1981, Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, of National Capital Presbytery, was charged with apostasy because he denied Christ’s sinlessness, bodily resurrection, vicarious…
The Elementary Doctrine Of Christ
Native Americans have a practice of planning for their future with the seventh generation in mind. In other words, tribal leaders expect their actions to impact their people for the next 150 years. Not only do they keep future generations in mind, but they also reflect upon past generations with gratitude. Considering the fact that God “has put eternity into man’s heart” (Eccl. 3:10), it is natural to desire to have an enduring impact. The reformed catechisms have passed on…
Got Milk?
T. David Gordon, under a fatal diagnosis of cancer (25% chance of survival and two months to live), wrote some choice words for preachers in his book, Why Johnny Can’t Preach. Here’s a brief sampling of what I read as an aspiring preacher in seminary… “[T]he entering seminarian today has the faculties of a sixth- to eighth-grader sixty years ago, and the seminary curriculum cannot make this seminarian an adult by the time he graduates.” “What I care about is the average…
The Sanctity Of Human Life
More than 60M abortions since 1973. That is equivalent to the populations of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada combined! Imagine every human being in those states disappearing. That is roughly 19% of the population of the United States today. I don’t typically preach topical sermons, but today is the 50th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and the first year since the Supreme Court of the United States overturned it. It seemed like an appropriate year to join with many churches around…
The Book That Reads Us
Cornell University social psychologist David Dunning, studied the tendency for people to overestimate themselves. He found that those who were the least competent performers have the most inflated view of themselves. The study also revealed that their over-inflation wasn’t due to arrogance, but ignorance. Obviously, this can be true for Christians as well. We routinely flatter ourselves with false assessments of our own competence. We aren’t even aware of our pride, because we think we’re simply being honest. Jeremiah 17:9 ESV…