There is debate over whether the Bible permits female deacons, and one of the verses under the most scrutiny is 1 Timothy 3:11, “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” (ESV). You may be thinking that “Their wives” seems pretty clear! But here’s the catch: “their” is notContinue reading “Women, Wives, and Deacons: A Study of 1 Timothy 3:11”
Tag Archives: christianity
Latent Talent
The other day I came across the phrase “latent talent” and it struck me that those two words – “latent” and “talent” – share the same letters. Not only do they share the same letters, but they are further connected in that far too much talent remains latent. While it’s always a shame when usefulContinue reading “Latent Talent”
AD 70: The Year the Temple Fell
One of the most significant dates in world history is 70 AD. In that year the Roman army destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and much of the city. The events surrounding the siege and destruction of Jerusalem are recorded most fully by Josephus in his book The Jewish War. While the history of the JewishContinue reading “AD 70: The Year the Temple Fell”
“If Only We Had Miracles!”
Why doesn’t God act miraculously to bring people to faith? Why doesn’t He act miraculously to validate my faith? It is true that God acts providentially to bring people to faith: “coincidences” in life, a timely conversation or sermon, etc. But wouldn’t it be so much easier if God were just constantly creating miraculous events?Continue reading ““If Only We Had Miracles!””
Why We Sing A Cappella in Church
Over the past several weeks, a brief history of the use (or non-use) of instruments in the Church’s worship has been sketched. The main point I wished to drive home was that, while a cappella worship is strange in our culture today, it is absolutely not strange when the entire breadth of Christian history isContinue reading “Why We Sing A Cappella in Church”
A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 3
Over the past couple of weeks, the history of musical instruments in worship service has been briefly surveyed. This week, we’ll consider specifically the Restoration Movement. As with other reform movements, the Restoration Movement began with a rejection of instruments in worship. The movement was based on a call to strict faithfulness to the BibleContinue reading “A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 3”
A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 2
Last week we pointed out how a cappella music in worship, far from being an oddity, was the norm throughout the early Church. This week, we’ll pick up with the Protestant Reformation and consider some subsequent developments. One trend that is seen especially during this time period is the connection between Church reform and theContinue reading “A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 2”
A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 1
“Oh, you’re the ones with no instrument.” Perhaps you’ve heard that before. One of the “distinctives” of churches of Christ is a cappella singing during worship. That we do not have a band or even a piano is considered by many to be an oddity. And it is true that in our 21st century AmericanContinue reading “A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 1”
Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 2
Having laid the foundation for this discussion last week, we will now lay out some arguments as to why baptism is not a work. As previously mentioned, the concept under discussion is that of salvation by grace, through faith, and apart from works as expressed by Paul in, for example, Ephesians 2:8–9. We must helpContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 2”
Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 1
As mentioned last week, we now begin to address what I am convinced is the heart of the issue regarding the debate over baptism for the forgiveness of sins: is baptism a work? Appealing to the thief on the cross or arguing that Acts 2:38 means “because” are really symptoms of this deeper question. WhatContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 1”
Studies in the Bible 