The Bible reports that “All Scripture is profitable for doctrine … and training in righteousness.” This declaration presupposes that even the most seemingly innocuous chapters offer valuable truths for living a life pleasing to God. For the past two Sundays, we have discovered just this outcome in Romans 16:1-16. A Biblical portion that many scan … [Read more…]
The Beatles sang a song that was 20 centuries too late. Its lyrics would have made far more sense in the first century A.D. “You say, ‘Goodbye’ and I say, ‘Hello.’” You see, when folks wrote letters back in that first century, they preserved their greetings ‘til the end of their letters. So they said, … [Read more…]
When we write letters today, we send our greetings right at the outset in the salutation. Not so in the 1st century world. They held their greetings until the end of their letters. And if the Apostle Paul’s valediction in his Magnum Opus letter to the church in Rome is indicative of all letters … [Read more…]
In the poem, “To a Mouse,” the peerless Scotch poet, Robert Burns, penned these familiar words: “The best laid schemes of mice and men.” And then in his classic Scots brogue, he spelled out the not-unsurprising outcome: “gang aft a-gley,” which translates into our English with, “can often go awry.” We’ve all made plans, some … [Read more…]
Around our church, I’ve been beating this dead horse monotonously and incessantly, but always with good intention. The scenario goes something like this. I’ll ask someone, “How ya’ doin’?” Most naturally respond, “I’m good.” That’s when I counter with, “No you’re not! That’s not what the Bible says.” All I was doing on each occasion … [Read more…]
