Bible, theology, culture, etc.
Polygamy was very common in the ancient world. It is somewhat understandable: in an agrarian culture, it was not impossible (cf. Ruth 2), but very difficult for women to provide a living for themselves apart from a husband. It was also shameful in a patriarchal society to be an unmarried women. And if there were few … Continue reading What’s the Deal with Polygamy in the Bible?
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. No sermon audio available *Originally preached August 22nd, 2021* Throughout the Bible God depicts His relationship with His people in many different ways: like a Father and a son; like a King and His subjects; like a friend. One way … Continue reading Husband and Wife in Christ (Eph 5:22-33)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. Listen to the sermon audio: Creation and Gender (Gen 1:27) *Originally preached August 8th, 2021* Summary: - Your body is a gift given by God and is part and parcel of your identity as an image bearer; everything created by … Continue reading Creation and Gender (Gen 1:27)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached August 1st, 2021* What makes a person a “person”? Of course we could point to biological or anatomical features to identify a person: someone who has a body and is alive. Or we could point to mental faculties: … Continue reading Who Are You? (Gen 1:26-28)
The issue: The LGBTQIA+ movement has become ubiquitous in America, even in communities that are overwhelmingly conservative, rural, and far removed from urban centers. Technology and social media has made the distance between Nebraska and LA virtually meaningless (especially when LA makes all the TV shows people in Nebraska watch). Now, the companies responsible for … Continue reading Consider What Your Children Are Watching
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached in May, 2022* Sermon Audio: It Takes a Church (Prov 22:6) Children, do you like coming to church? Do you ever get bored? Wish that I would talk less? My family didn’t go to church very often when I … Continue reading It Takes a Church (Prov 22:6)
In these articles I have been arguing that husband's authority in the home is limited by the kind of authority he possesses (counsel, not command) and by the purpose of the authority (to love his wife like Christ does the Church.) But how is a wife to discern when her husband is using his authority … Continue reading Headship, Submission, and Abuse (Pt. 3)
What is authority for? Our culture has become hyper-aware to how the locomotive of authority can run off the tracks, creating the train-wreck of abuse. From police officers using unnecessary force, to CEO's exploiting employees, to spiritual leaders taking advantage of members, we hear story after story of individuals in positions of authority who abuse … Continue reading Headship, Submission, and Abuse (Pt. 2)
While in seminary a professor of mine was teaching on the nature of authority and submission as it related to church members and pastors. He opened the discussion by reading passages about children's submission to their parents and then asking if a child was responsible to submit to their parents. Yes, we all agreed. He … Continue reading Headship, Submission, and Abuse (Pt. 1)
Previously I discussed the distinction between creational norms and cultural norms in regards to gender. There are some things we can do or embrace in our particular culture that accord with God's intention for manhood or womanhood, and others that contradict it. In 1 Cor. 11:2-16 we saw that men should not adorn themselves or … Continue reading Boy-Stuff, Girl-Stuff: Four Questions
Marc Sims 