Hebrews tells us that “He [God] spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways…” (Heb. 1:1). But something has changed since those days of old. The author continues by saying “in these last days [He] has spoken to us in His Son…” This favored Son is God’s … Continue reading God Has Spoken
When thinking of “confessions,” one could go in several directions. I think of criminal confessions, where someone “fesses up” to some wrongdoing. In crime dramas, it’s the turning point; the cathartic “We got ‘im! Bring ‘im in!” moment. Sometimes, confessions are false, and the supposed criminal has been coerced into saying something untrue. It reminds … Continue reading Making a Good Confession
The Way of Christ has many details to keep in mind, some of which can have more importance in the minds of Bible readers than others. One of these practices that has fallen out of favor over time, but is thankfully making a comeback is the practice of Baptism. But people have all sorts of … Continue reading Baptism: Who is it for?
When Peter denied Jesus outside the High Priest’s house that fateful night, he did everything he could to separate himself from Him. Everyone around knew better though. “Even the way you talk gives you away,” said the bystanders (Matt. 26:73). In Peter’s desperation, he altered his language. “Then he began to curse and swear, ‘I … Continue reading Mistaken Monikers
The Way of Christ began as a Jewish movement. Not, of course, in the sense that it was a splinter of Judaism (Act 24:5, 28:22), but that it first and foremost reached to Jewish audiences as the culmination of the Jewish system. On this topic, Paul gives his defense at his trial. “But this I … Continue reading The Gentile Condition
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered … Continue reading On Every Word
Admiting to someone that you were wrong can be hard to do. Pride is a jealous friend and it doesn’t like you wandering off to see other people. But, like an abusive relationship, it can be liberating to get away and finally be honest. “I was wrong.” It’s hard to say at first, but refreshing, … Continue reading Honest to Goodness
Several disciples and I were having lunch at a local restaurant after worship on a Sunday. A few of us were wearing ties and one could assume that it looked like we had just come from worship (because who wears a tie anymore, right?). We indeed had, which prompted a stranger to come up and … Continue reading Food, Fun, and “Fellowship”
One of the fundamentals of the Christian life is the practice of prayer. Even for those who are not disciples of Christ, the urge to address something outside oneself, even if it means speaking to an idea, place, thing, or passed loved one can be strong. I think it is indicative in some way that … Continue reading Practicing Prayer
Sometime early in the first century, a Jew named Theudas had a message. With this message, he managed to gather around 400 followers. Declaring himself a prophet, he led his people to the river Jordan and promised them he would part it with a word, and that they would walk across on dry ground. On … Continue reading Cancelled?
Dublin church of Christ 