What’s the Deal with Polygamy in the Bible?
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…
What Is the “Regret” of God?
The word of the LORD came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”…
Love Your Neighbor, Politically
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…
The Mission of the Church: A Forge of Worship
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 Church, Christian Nationalism, and Civic Engagement
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…
Does God Desire All to be Saved?
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead…
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 24th, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member’s Ministry: Give (Acts 2:42-47) 42 And they…
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 17th, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member’s Ministry: Pray (1 John 5:14-15) And this…
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 10, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member’s Ministry: Speak Truth (Eph 4:11-16) And he…
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 January 3rd, 2021* Sermon Audio: Member’s Ministry: Love (1 John 4:19-5:3) We love because…
What Was Prison Like for Paul?
Paul wrote five of his thirteen letters from within a Roman jail cell. While the book of Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, apparently at some point Paul is…
You Are the Body (1 Cor 12:12-27)
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…
Tempted to Despair? Don’t Be a Denethor
In the book of Revelation, aside from worship, the Church has two main functions in the world:- Testify to the truth of the Gospel- Be killed (Usually the first is…
Coram Deo: A Theology of the Face
Face as Presence In the Bible often the word for “face” is a metonymy for “presence.” Frequently our English translations actually translate the Hebrew and Greek terms for face (פָּנֶה,…
Two Hundred Million Chimaeras (Rev 9:12-21)
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the…
What is the “Great Tribulation”?
Last week I wrote about the fifth trumpet found in Revelation 9:1-11 and while discussing when we should anticipate these events to take place said: “…there is nothing in the text that…
A Swarm of Locusts: Rev 9:1-11
The seven trumpets in the book of Revelation (along with the seven seals and bowls) contain some of the most unusual elements of John’s apocalyptic vision. The fifth trumpet has…
Your Church Livestream Isn’t Neutral
On these shows, the preacher is tops. God comes out as second banana.Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death, p. 117 Neil Postman wrote his classic, prophetic work, Amusing Ourselves to…
What is Wisdom?
“Both the commands of the Law and the thunderings of the prophets spread out before us the gigantic truths of God, the metanarrative that makes sense of everything. But we…
Book Review: Deacons
Depending on what church you are a part of you might have very different perspectives on what a “deacon” is. Whatever your view is, if you are tempted to think…
Who are the 144,000 in Revelation?
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number…- Rev 7:9 At the breaking of the sixth seal, when the wrath of the Lamb is revealed,…
What Are The “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”?
The four horsemen of the book of Revelation have captivated the popular imagination of many. But who are these four horsemen and what do they represent? They are the by-product…
Domestic Violence and the Bible
What does the Bible say about domestic violence? While men are also victims of domestic violence (see statistics here), I want to look primarily at the circumstances of women as…
Christian, You Need Warning Passages
Let’s imagine that the Christian life is a road trip. At your conversion, Jesus Himself climbs into your car and He tells you: No matter what, you are going to make…
Why is Leviticus so Weird?
One of the most puzzling aspects of Old Testament law for Christians to understand is the many ritual and purity laws. We know that with the coming of Jesus and…
4 Perspectives on Revelation
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:…
8 Ways to Cultivate Discipleship
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…
“You! Yes, You Christian, Make Disciples”
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…
Skip Church? Consider the Cost
*I know, I know, Covid. If you are forced to stay home because of medical complications, the Lord understands. Hebrews 10:24-25 refers to willful neglect of missing church on Sunday;…
Requiring Baptism for Communion
In my church’s statement of faith, statement XV, “Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper” explains baptism as, “a prerequisite…to the Lord’s Supper.” My church previously practiced what is known as “open” communion,…
Displaying Death and Life: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Sermon Video: https://www.facebook.com/QuinaultBC/videos/2670491949873628/ Sermon Manuscript: 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died…
Why Satan is Doomed: Revelation 12
I recently preached a sermon on how Christians should think about Satan and Demons. One element that I didn’t get to explore more was a tableau from the book of…
The Peculiar Assembly
What is the Church? Is it a denomination? A hierarchy of old guys in funny hats? Is it a building? A liturgy? Is it a club? Is it a set…
Why You Can’t Have Church Online
Churches around the world have had to make very difficult decisions in the past week due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of love for neighbor (Matt 22:39) and a desire…
The Violence of the Bible
I have been virtually absent from my blog since I began seminary. I have toyed around with the idea of posting some of my papers I have written on here,…
Fighting Sin by Seeing Rightly (Matt. 5:29-30)
If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole…
Love Your Enemies (Matt. 5:43-48)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM-yNf5no8Y Manuscript: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray…
How to Be Righteous (Matt. 5:20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y1OKhGYNHA Transcript: During your teen years, you are at this interesting crossroad where you are making decisions about what kind of person you will be, what values you will stand…
Let’s Talk: Sex
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtS1InmRo-s Note: This talk was given to High School guys. Transcript “All things were created through Him and for Him.” – Col. 1:16 We host Let’s Talk every quarter…
God’s Word (Matt. 5:17-20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4dFmpRfPug It’s a funny how the Lord works. I wasn’t aware of it, but last night at Theology Tuesday, we looked at John 8:31-46, and looked specifically at verse 31…
The Persecuted (Matt. 5:10-12)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDsvGupD0wI Transcript: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all…
The Peacemakers (Matt. 5:9)
Sermon Audio Coming Transcript: When you look at the injustice, unfairness, and evil in the world, what seems to bother you most? Perhaps it is something in your own…
The Pure (Matt. 5:8)
No sermon audio this week. Transcript: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. – Matt. 5:8 Think of the last time you saw something great.…
Have I Committed the Unforgivable Sin?
Here is an email response given to someone who asked me this question awhile ago – it is a question I am asked fairly frequently, so I figured it would…
The Merciful (Matt. 5:7)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF7w5GGpjDo Transcript: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” Let’s turn to the particular beatitude tonight, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy,” (Matt.…
Those Who Hunger & Thirst (Matt. 5:6)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69wDbcd9tTQ Transcript: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matt. 5:6 When was the last time you remember being incredibly hungry…
The Meek (Matt. 5:5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUHCMYWay-c “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” The Bible is strange. I think sometimes we forget just how weird it really is. For the past…
Those Who Mourn (Matt. 5:4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF9w8-Xu12Q Normally, I have the transcript of my sermon below – but it would appear that I forgot to save my transcript, and it is lost. So the audio…
The Poor in Spirit (Matt. 5:3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvnnqMHMlKQ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Last week we began our series on the Sermon on the Mount with an overview of…
The King’s Sermon (Matt. 4:23, 25, 5:1-2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcyu6wBRtj8 Notes: What comes to your mind when you think of a “King”? A crown? Throne? Iron scepter, red-fur cape, and jewel-encrusted sword? I think of someone with total authority,…
Sola in 2016 (Col. 3:1-17)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duqFQa13TZ0 Notes: Last night the President got on television before the nation and delivered the State of the Union address (I’m sure you all were watching it). In it,…
Sovereign God, Responsible People
In our youth group we have been examining the book of Jonah, and had the opportunity to go through the second chapter recently. For time’s sake we simply could not cover…
How to Read the Bible (2 Tim. 3:14-17)
500 years ago, the church was very different than it was today. 500 years ago, the church was organized under the pope in the Roman Catholic system, which acted more…
Puncturing Pretensions (Mark 11:27-33)
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to…
Known and Loved (James 5:16, 19-20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFSBbjhgKio – Notes – Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed…My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth…
The Bible Isn’t About You
Sometimes, when I am reading God’s Word, it feels like I am soaring through a galaxy of glory. I am being convicted of sin, seeing the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement,…
Pinky-Promise? (James 5:12)
Do your parents have those stories that they tell, over and over again? You know, those embarrassing stories about stupid things you did when you were younger. No matter how…
“Have You Considered My Servant Job?” (James 5:10-11)
Imagine with me, tomorrow you show up at school, and your best friend runs up to you, tears in their eyes, voice shaking, and says, “Everything is gone. Everything, I…
How to Suffer Well (James 5:7-10)
Last week we saw James speak to a group of wealthy people who were exploiting and taking advantage of the poor. This week, James turns and speaks to the poor…
A Life Worth Losing (James 5:1-6)
“What would you do if tomorrow you were given millions of dollars?” I’ve always loved that question. It’s a fun way to start a conversation with someone, and is a…
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Marc Sims 