wisdom (76)

Ian

Whose Crown?

1 Samuel 8:1–22; Mark 10:35–45; 1 Corinthians 1:20–25 One cannot say the beginning of the fall of Israel was at the point they demanded a king. God pointed this out to disappointed Samuel. Israel’s “desire” for a king showed that Israel’s heart continued to not…

Continue reading...
Ian

Calling One; Calling All

Luke 3:7–16; 2 Peter 1:3–15 What is calling? For pastors, their calling is…being a pastor. Even how “being a pastor” changes depending on character, passions, and context. However, due to the influence of the Roman Catholic church (statement not fault-finding), most Protestant traditions (there are…

Continue reading...
Ian

Passionate Rightful Love

Luke 11:14–28; Romans 12:9–21 Can you think of a house that is divided? It shouldn’t be hard at this point. It is displayed for the whole world to see. The United States has a motto: E pluribus unum. It means, “Out of many, one.” Yet…

Continue reading...
Ian

There's Lots More

Matthew 13:1–23; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15; James 1:5–8 One of the arguments against God and the saving work of Jesus Christ is that people can’t see God. And there isn’t much to say against that. What often goes along with that is seeing the “work” of…

Continue reading...
Ian

Calling

Matthew 11:16–19; Matthew 12:22–28; Matthew 21:23–27 Authenticity is appreciated. Hypocrisy is condemned. That is nothing new. What is more, the issue than even whether something is called authentic or hypocritical is when something is declared such (either way). Both Jesus’ and John’s ministries could have…

Continue reading...