Ephesians | marital sexuality We’ve got some ground to cover and this is a sensitive topic, but . . . I’ve found that sexuality is like money. Christians have to talk about both. We don’t want to learn too much about either one from the wrong sources Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he... Read more
Ephesians | time to consider the change of sanctification We’re discussing the Christian household code in Ephesians 5. We’re spending a little extra time with the Husband and Wife. Jesus reveals truths about His love for His Church in this relationship. Ephesians | church & the marital relationship CLICK marital glory, sanctity & mystery CLICK Spirit control in community CLICK interpreting Paul on submission CLICK now our focus is on sanctification We talked a little about the household code. The... Read more
Ephesians | interpreting Paul on submission In the ancient Greco-Roman Empire something unique takes place. Philosophers begin to influence the private lives of citizens with ethics for private life that are known as household codes. Philosophers like Plutarch and Aristotle teach them. The great Hebrew philosopher Philo teaches household codes as well. He lives during the first century as a contemporary of Christ and the Disciples. To fully grasp family passages in the New Testament like Ephesians 5-6, we need... Read more
It’s about control. Paul is warning us not to yield control to anything else. This whole article explores a long sentence in the Greek, written by Paul (Ephesians 5.18-21). It all actually goes together in the original language. So let’s consider these thoughts the way Paul writes it. 1st: Paul says what being Spirit led is not. 2nd: Paul describes what being Spirit filled is. 3rd: He shares the how’s and why’s of a Spirit directed community Paul says what... Read more
What does the Bible say about the Mustard seed and faith? The Bible does not say a lot about the mustard seed and faith. It’s the smallest of all seeds at the time and place. It grows to be the largest tree/bush in the garden. The injunction is, do you see what little faith you have? Now do you see what your faith, even the smallest bit of faith, can grow into? For readings about the mustard seed and faith, see... Read more
classic voices on the love of money Hebrews xiii.5-6, Fresh Start Bible NLT Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, So I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” There are some voices from not so long ago capable of providing an amazing interpretation of Scripture. After all, the... Read more
Ephesians | marital glory, sanctity & mystery Ephesians 5.26-32 Aspects of marital sanctification can possibly occur, both physically and spiritually, as a continuation of the couple’s ongoing commitment to Christ. “so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, so that she may be holy and without blemish.” (verse 27) This can be either part of a thorough washing or cleansing process, and/or in distinct moments along the way.... Read more
Ephesians | church & the marital relationship Ephesians 5.18, 21-33 “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5.18; NRSV) The statement is a directive (command). Paul writes in the second person plural. So Paul is speaking to everyone in all of his reading communities. Some scholars include verse 21 with this paragraph: “being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” in fact, verses 18-21 are one continual sentence,... Read more
guest post, Brandon Atwell | how you do religion Brandon Atwell is a minister on pastoral staff at a vibrant growing church. His Pastor is actually a Bishop over Bishops. Brandon is an avid student of the Word, but he is also very practical, as you’ll see in this piece. However, his praxis in this work is nearly the level of an apologetic, which is a branch of Theology. He deals with a question that really should be given proper perspective in... Read more
who is this Man? pt 2 of 2 To read part 1 of 2 CLICK Mark 4.39: “Quiet down!” often translated “Peace, be still!” And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. (NRSV) My Favorite Translation: Mom taught kid’s class at church. She set up a makeshift boat. All the kids piled in and my cousin Melissa wanted to be Jesus. Mom... Read more
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