“…for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." -Ephesians 6:12 I recently finished two books that deal with a similar theme though they belong to very different genres. Stephen … Continue reading Monsters in the Air
Tough Questions
Bread & Wine
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” - 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 What … Continue reading Bread & Wine
Speaking Prophetically to our Culture
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." - Isaiah 1:17 It is very tempting as a Christian, in a climate so overtaken by political talk, to feel it nessecary to “speak truth to power.” In fact, if polled, many might … Continue reading Speaking Prophetically to our Culture
History is Complicated
When reading history, any good teacher would recommend that their students employ the discipline of multiperspectivity.[1] That’s because there are almost always two or more perspectives on past events. A hero in one person’s story might be the villain in another person’s story. An event might have occurred because of a particular catalyst in one … Continue reading History is Complicated
Lists & Qualifications (Women in Ministry pt. 5)
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an elder must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” 1 Timothy 3:1-3 (ESV) This … Continue reading Lists & Qualifications (Women in Ministry pt. 5)
“I Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach…She Must Be Quiet.” (Women in Ministry pt. 4)
“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue … Continue reading “I Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach…She Must Be Quiet.” (Women in Ministry pt. 4)
The Origins of the Debate (Women in Ministry pt. 3)
“To the woman he said: “I will make your pangs in childbirth exceedingly great; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Genesis 3:16 (NRSV) This blog post is the third of a few entries on the topic of women in ministry … Continue reading The Origins of the Debate (Women in Ministry pt. 3)
A Few Preliminary Points (Women in Ministry pt. 2)
“In a lawsuit, the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” Proverbs 18:17 Proverbs 18:17 is convicting. It’s a court room maxim reminding those listening to the witnesses of a crime to not always believe the first things they hear. The first side of a story is always going to sound … Continue reading A Few Preliminary Points (Women in Ministry pt. 2)
What About Junia? (Women in Ministry pt. 1)
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Israelites who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.” Romans 16:7 (NRSV) This blog post is the first of a few entries on the topic of women in ministry leadership. In this first one, I want to … Continue reading What About Junia? (Women in Ministry pt. 1)
Trust God & Live in Fear
“Have faith not fear.” “God’s got this.” “I’m just choosing to trust God and not live in fear.” These are three examples of slogans that many believers are using in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and America’s current political climate. Not all who say these slogans are Christians. But it does seem like the vast … Continue reading Trust God & Live in Fear
Scripture Simplified 