On Reading the Bible – concepts whereby we take words on principle rather than at ‘face value’
In reading the Sermon on the Mount, my family discussed whether Matthew 6:17 should be take literally. That is, Jesus says, "when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face" (CSB). The specific question was, "When you fast, are you required to put oil on your head ("anoint your head" ESV)? If you don't, aren't you going against what Jesus clearly says? The obvious answer is 'no.' Jesus is...
Simultaneous Presence of Christ
I'm reading through Jesus Ascended; The Meaning of Christ's Continuing Incarnation by Gerrit Scott Dawson. For quite awhile, Jesus' continuing incarnation has puzzled me; I didn't understand its necessity, I didn't see it in Scripture, and it just seems... ridiculous. How am I to believe that Christ will wear humanity for eternity? Dawson is doing a wonderful job answering my tensions - but...
Towards Church Leadership; Elder/Deacon/Congregational Organizational Distinctions – an Overview
What is the nature of biblical church leadership; the role, responsibilities, limits, and exclusions? And why do those exist? I want to define three categories of church leadership and their corresponding responsibilities that I see in Scripture. As I'm using "the ministry," it will also cause me to write an addition post where I ask the question, "What is the work of the church?" I also want to...
Meaning, Interpretation and Application
I need to process Scriptural meaning. I think the reason I'm thinking in this space is to reaffirm and maintain ideological humility - I struggle to say, "This is what it is." And this whole concept here is one of the reasons I struggle in that way! But, that doesn't mean I shouldn't say, "This is what it is." I need to make some statements; I need to take some positions. But in that, I need to...
Scripture: Limits and understanding
How do I approach the Bible, especially with an aim to apply it in the shaping of my life, my community, my family, my church, and my ministry? Here is a guiding sentence I am building to work within: The Bible sufficiently reveals God's character and purposes, offering precise application in areas God desires His purposes precisely applied, and allowing for broad application where precise...
Community to be like Jesus as the heart of Church
What is church? What is a church? How should it be structured and organized, maintained and ran? Where do biblical principles define and bound the organization, function, and purpose of the church? What are the leadership structures that are required? These are questions I want to clarify for myself over the course of many posts. Central to the heartbeat of the purpose of church is community -...
You’re Not Saved by Belief
What is more important for salvation - what we believe or what we do? I'm not trying to slice a false dichotomy or find a strawman to punch down; I think we've grossly underestimated the need for right living, replacing it with a fear of legalism and the band aide of right belief. Or, to say it another way, Christ might be far more interested in how we live and what we do than what we believe or...