Bible, theology, culture, etc.
In the most popular chapter in Augustine’s Confessions (VIII), Augustine relays what led him to his conversion. But before his hallowed moment under the fig tree, Augustine met with the local bishop, Simplicianus, to talk through his spiritual angst. As Augustine asked questions, the older bishop shared the story of how the celebrity intellectual, Victorinus—whom Augustine had … Continue reading Do Walls Make Christians?
"Deacons likewise must be dignified...Their wives likewise must be dignified," (1 Tim 3:8, 11, ESV) Does the Bible restrict the office of deacon to men only? Much of this depends on how you interpret 1 Timothy 3:11. Depending on what translation you read, the answer may differ. The English Standard Version cited above (as well … Continue reading Does the Bible Support Deaconesses?
But the greatest hope, of course, comes by holding forward the gospel and praying for God to transform hearts so that enemies become brothers, sinners become saints, and the heart is transformed by the Holy Spirit, not merely restrained by the sword of the State.
There are two ways to think about the Church: all Christians across time and space, or the local assemblies, like the churches we see as we drive down a street. The universal, "capital-C" Church represents all Christians across time and space–thus it is invisible. It includes every Christian alive on the planet today, as well as residing … Continue reading The Mission of the Church: A Forge of Worship
If someone's vision is that we ought to govern the State the way we govern the Church (with the Law of Christ), or their missions are basically the same–if that is someone's definition of "Christian nationalism", then I could not more strongly reject it. But if someone's vision is that Christians should only rely on secular arguments or a moral consensus when it comes to legislation, civic norms, etc., then I would strongly disagree with that.
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached January 24th, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member's Ministry: Give (Acts 2:42-47) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and … Continue reading Member’s Ministry: Give (Acts 2:42-47)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached January 17th, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member's Ministry: Pray (1 John 5:14-15) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that … Continue reading Member’s Ministry: Pray (1 John 5:14-15)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached January 10, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member's Ministry: Speak Truth (Eph 4:11-16) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the … Continue reading Member’s Ministry: Speak Truth (Eph 4:11-16)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached January 3rd, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member's Ministry: Love (1 John 4:19-5:3) We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love … Continue reading Member’s Ministry: Love (1 John 4:19-5:3)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached in October 2021* Sermon Audio: You Are the Body (1 Cor 12:12-27) What makes a church attractive? What draws people into a church the way water is drawn into a dry sponge? Could it be a church’s programs? … Continue reading You Are the Body (1 Cor 12:12-27)
Marc Sims 