Bible, theology, culture, etc.
Occasionally Satan uses earth-shattering catastrophes in our life. Most of the times, however, the most effective temptations in our lives are the monotonous, mundane frustrations that pile up. Whether its picking up your kids' socks off the ground for the millionth time or sending that follow-up email because that person isn't responding, little frustrations can … Continue reading Satan and the Little Things
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. - 1 Tim 2:15 Act like men, be strong. - 1 Cor 16:13 What does it mean to be a "man"? What does it mean to be a "woman"? When thinking about our culture's … Continue reading Review: Men and Women in the Church
Originally written in April, 2020 A former professor of mine recently wrote about his experience of his 23-year-old daughter contracting COVID-19. He writes: “Two days after the hospital admitted Hannah, a physician called to let us know that her lungs weren’t delivering sufficient oxygen to her body. If the medical team didn’t place her on a ventilator … Continue reading Yahweh in the Flesh (Mark 6:45-52)
Originally written, April 2020 Are you tired? What do you do when you are exhausted? How do you recharge the batteries at the end of a long day or long week? We are going into week seven or eight of quarantine now—how are you doing? Feeling weary? Feeling okay? Normal life, if you’re doing it … Continue reading Exhaustion and Rest (Mark 6:30-44)
Originally written in April, 2020 “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagles' wings. Then as I looked its wings … Continue reading Authority Abused (Mark 6:12-30)
245 years ago shortly after midnight a young man rode his horse furiously from one small town to another, warning the villagers and townsfolk of the coming invasion. Because of this young man’s diligence and perseverance, weapon stores were reallocated, and butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers transformed themselves into armed militiamen. As the brisk morning … Continue reading The Mission in the Face of Unbelief (Mark 6:1-13)
In Tom Schreiner's helpful commentary in the ESV Expository Commentary series on Revelation, he discusses the four major approaches to interpreting the timing of the events described in the book: Preterist--Fulfilled entirely or mainly in the first century Historicist--Fulfilled in stages throughout church history Idealist--Fundamentally symbolic Futurist--Fulfilled mainly in futureThe preterist view argues that Revelation … Continue reading 4 Perspectives on Revelation
In 2009, a thirteen story building in Shanghai was about to open up to the 500 residents who had already rented out each apartment. The builders, however, had poured a shoddy foundation and began to dig a large pit right next to the building for a parking garage. After a rainy day eroded much of … Continue reading Justice Needs a Foundation
Discipleship programs can be a helpful tool in the life of the church. Far better, however, is a culture of discipleship that has taken root in a church. Rather than being a spasmodic event that took place one time, a culture of discipleship permeates the whole being of the church, organically growing out of every … Continue reading 8 Ways to Cultivate Discipleship
Like most of the country, our city just emerged from an unusually intense winter storm. In a few short days, we were sunk under a heavy blanket of snow. While our children were thrilled to death about getting to go sledding, the hazardous snow conditions made us uneasy about driving. Our driveway is fairly steep … Continue reading “You! Yes, You Christian, Make Disciples”
Marc Sims 