Christians are notorious for pulling out a random Bible verse that “fits” their needs—even though that verse might be contradicted by another. One may cite “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) While another will cite, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). How do we know which Bible verse applies in a given situation? Too often, the answer is, “the one I prefer.” In order to discern which applies it is essential to… Read more
May 15, 2020
Are we sure that we are reading our Bibles well? Part 2
May 15, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A helpful guide to reading our Bibles more effectively! When was the last time you heard a sermon, or read a book, in which you thought, “well, I don’t like it, but the pastor, or author, is right?” I remember a post from a really good Christian man. Someone I respect. He commented that a major Christian publication was “no longer a credible source.” With one swipe of the hand an entire publication was dismissed; as though nothing good… Read more
May 14, 2020
Are we sure that we are reading our Bibles well? Part 3
May 14, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A helpful guide to reading our Bibles more effectively! Here are some suggestions that we might want to consider when reading our Bibles (NOTE: these are not absolute: sometimes I may read my Bible and I might be encouraged: sometimes I may read and find hope; sometimes I may read and find strength, comfort, and peace) But, sometimes: If you are reading the Bible and you are feeling convicted, then you might be reading it well. If you are reading… Read more
May 8, 2020
#Free4All Ahmaud Arbery
May 8, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A number of years ago I had left the academy and become a full-time preaching pastor. I knew that I now had a greater responsibility to not only expound what the Word meant but to help the people apply to their lives. Before, when I was lecturing students, I always sensed a greater obligation to teach the Word in hopes that the students would find the application in their personal lives and in their ministries. Now that I was in… Read more
May 1, 2020
Are we sure that we are reading our Bibles well? Part 1
May 1, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A helpful guide to reading our Bibles more effectively! “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). False Teachers I love these verses because they remind me why everyone else will so easily follow false teachers! I am not… Read more
April 27, 2020
The Book of Revelation and the 3rd seal: Covid-19 revisited
April 27, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
“When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine” (Rev 6:5-6) There is an important backdrop, which I will address shortly, to this text that may… Read more
April 9, 2020
The “signs of the times” and the return of Jesus
April 9, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
The popular conception that there will be certain “signs” that precede the coming of Jesus distracts the church from its proper focus and instead encourages a way of thinking that is antithetical, and shall I say harmful, and even destructive, to the work of the Gospel. Learning a lesson from history The panic of Covid-19 is only the latest stir to arouse the conviction that indeed these are the “last days.” Now, it is worth noting that we can learn… Read more
March 31, 2020
I’ve been Redeemed: but not simply for my own sake!
March 31, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
Holy Week typically presents an occasion for which most Christians, including evangelicals, use to reflect on what Christ “has done for us.” Though this is great, I do think it misses a vital point. One of the primary elements of Holy Week is the fact that Christ has brought us redemption! As the Gospel of Mark notes, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark… Read more
March 24, 2020
Are the seven Seals of the book of Revelation unfolding today?
March 24, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
Amidst the fervor of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting chaos that many societies are experiencing, there are always some who are using this as an opportunity to cry out that the end of the world is coming! According to some, and I am relieved that it has only been a few, Covid-19 is proof that the plagues of the book of Revelation, in particular the seven Seals of Revelation 6:1-8:1, are happening and the imminent return of Jesus is… Read more
March 23, 2020
Understanding the Kingdom of God: Part 7 of 7
March 23, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
The kingdom of God stands in radical opposition to the kingdoms of the world because it operates by way of love Another point of confusion for many is that the kingdom of God is often referred to in the NT as “above.” As I noted earlier, Paul tells the Colossians to, “Set your minds on things above” (Col 3:2; cf 3:1-4). If we think of this in terms of an Epicurean dualism, mentioned at the outset of this series of… Read more
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