So I have set out to spend quite a good while looking at the equipping ministry gifts of Ephesians 4:11, which fall in the larger context of vs7-16. Specifically, vs11-13 say:
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 1
One of my favourite passages in all of Scripture is found in Ephesians. Actually, Ephesians is probably one of my favourite books in the whole of the Bible. As one of Paul's final letters, he packs so much wisdom and revelation in this short yet amazing book.
The Ephesians text is filled with multiple great passages: from Paul's beginning words in 1:3-14; to the all-important words of our salvation by grace through faith in 2:8-9 (not to mention his words about walking out that salvation in 2:1… Continue
A particular title from a blog article I saw today reminded me of these words of Jesus found in the 'kingdom parables' of Matthew 13, as they are known:
51 "Have you understood all these things?" They said to him, "Yes." 52And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." (Matthew 13:51-52)
Jesus had just spent quite a lot of time laying out teaching about… Continue
One of the most quoted psalms in all of the New Testament is Psalm 110. It's a very important psalm, a messianic psalm at that. The text from the ESV says this:
1 The LORD says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool."
2 The LORD sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3 Your people will offer themselves freely
on the da… Continue
A picture paints a thousand words,
But do they read the words I have written?
Is a smile perceived through a scowl,
Is a tear seen as a broken heart or bliss?
Can those of a far away land
Understand emotions from an unfamiliar fountain.
The writer says, 'What’s the point?'
The painter could not imagine anything less.
The first creative act of man
Was to call unto the animals their name.
Socrates shouts, 'Oration is the answer,'
Leaving the others wondering.
The poet longs just to… Continue
Added by ScottL on November 23, 2009 at 7:56am —
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Amazed, I am, at the bigger picture;
Heart enlivened to feel the flicker.
Our journey’s superior to words on paper;
Deadening the drama never made us greater.
If only you know by parchment and ink,
Tis no satisfaction for longings so deep.
Only drinking from the cup of life’s great treasure,
Can we truly taste delight and unearth truest pleasure. Continue
In the past, I have briefly written my theology of coffee. I truly do love coffee. I don't feel addicted to it, but just really enjoy it, especially a couple of warm cups early in the morning in my office with my Bible open. And Europe has some good coffee.
But I have also wanted to write a theology of beer as well. I must admit, and I am not ashamed to say so, I really enjoy beer. Yes, it is a special activity… Continue
When we speak of worship, what initially comes to mind for many is the corporate time of worship in our Sunday morning gatherings, which usually includes music. Or, within some more traditional contexts, worship would involve the whole 'service', including the sharing of communion, the preaching of the Word, and a handful of other activities that could take place.
But I think many a people are starting to realise that such is a bit of a reductionist understanding to specifically pinpoint… Continue
In keeping with my desire to post videos that make me chuckle, here is one below. Well, I hope it makes you laugh, but it could just make you shake your head at such silliness.
You might remember the dance-rap song, Baby Got Back. This one is called Baby Got Book.
Continue
After much thought and consideration over the past few weeks, I am now able to conclude with my fifth and final entry on my series of what is the gospel. Here are some summary points from the first four articles:
I started out by claiming that an attempt to define the gospel is both a simple act and not so simple act. It is simple in that the gospel is not to be overloaded with do's and do not's. We don't really have to write some treatise to simply define that which is the good n… Continue
Added by ScottL on November 5, 2009 at 9:30am —
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In the past, I have communicated that I love to read fiction books, mainly of the suspense and fantasy genres. Recently, I finished two works that fall in both genres. The first was John Grisham's new novel, The Associate, and the second was Black,… Continue
‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick,’
But sometimes it is not ours to pick.
Too many have awaited their answer,
Even liberation from the oppressor.
So it leaves for humanity many a questions,
And many times lacking one easy solution.
But let that not distort, let that not cause stumble,
For, though queries remain, the call is stay humble.
Think it not foolish, rather see it as wise,
To embrace long-suffering, for there will be a prize.
As one sage claims, ‘Desire fulfilled is life.’
But even the… Continue
Here I am, wading through this series I've called, What Is The Gospel? I'm considering what is the good news? What is it about? Or, maybe better stated, what is its content?
In my last post, I really took the time to make it clear what I believe the central message of the gospel is, as pr… Continue
I had a thought this week, after seeing the video that I posted below. Maybe I should regularly post a video clip from YouTube that I think is funny, just for laughs. You don't have to agree with me that such videos are humourous, though I hope you agree with me. But I simply just want to laugh, and YouTube can be helpful with that. Being such a serious theological thinker, I really do need to just 'lighten up' at times. I don't imagine I will post a video every week, but maybe every couple of w… Continue
Added by ScottL on October 25, 2009 at 7:42am —
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I have been working on this series in which I am attempting to look at what the gospel really is (see part 1, part 2). To understand this very important thing called the gospel, I began by looking at Jesus' first words, as reported by Mark's Gospel:
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Ga… Continue
I posted this article last year as Halloween approached, but thought I would repost it as food for thought again this year.
An important day is upon us, at least in American culture. I speak of Halloween, which arrives every year on October 31. Though I no longer live in America, I am aware th… Continue
In the past, I had decided to write some blog articles containing book reviews for specific books that I have read (since that does seem to be somewhat important in the blogosphere). Of course, I am not saying that too many people are searching high and low for my thoughts on particular books, right? I m… Continue
Added by ScottL on October 17, 2009 at 11:00am —
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I must be honest, it's hard to get a day off at times. As a pastor, you're kind of always 'on call' in case something comes up. Of course, there are times to leave the mobile phone at home, or turn it off, though I'm not always good at that. But it is hard to get that day off each week, during the week. You kinda have to fight for it. I don't want anybody to play a sad song for me. I'm just writing a short blog entry about a day off that I did get and I thought I might start off with the reality… Continue
As one who personally likes to teach on the topic of eschatology, since I believe there is a lot of unhealthy teaching on the subject, I do appreciate posting good resources for such.
I've done it before by referring to Kim Riddlebarger's blog and the plethora of (audio) resources he has made available. Though he is amillenial, and… Continue
