Monthly Archives: January 2010

The Fork in the Road: A Reply to John, Part 1 (Regarding Hebrews 10)

[A comment I made yesterday, edited a tad, and moved to be a main post.] John wrote, Jay, [His laws of pardon are] [r]epentance of sin, confession of fault, and prayer to God for forgiveness. 1 John 1.7 is a … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: The Nashville Tennessean Weighs In

A week ago, Bob Smietana, a reporter for the Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, emailed me, asking for an interview for a story he was working on regarding the progressive Churches of Christ. I tried to set up a time, but … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Rich’s Question

Rich asked, When I think of the concept of law within the Bible I think of anything I must obey. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” I equate the generic term ‘law’ with ‘commandments’ whatever they may … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Those led by the Spirit aren’t under law

Argument 2. In Galatians, Paul continues to explain why obedience to the positive command of circumcision is pointless. (Gal 5:18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Now, we try take this statement, turn … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Love Fulfills the Law

I contend that Benjamin Franklin has it exactly backwards: moral law is higher than positive law. Indeed, I question whether God even makes positive law any more. Argument 1. (Rom 13:8) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt … Continue reading

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Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan: Crossing the Red Sea

We continue to consider RVL’s lessons on how to think as the First Century Jews thought, that is, with an Eastern point of view. (“RVL” is what his students call Ray Vander Laan and how he often refers to himself.) … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Background

Guy wrote a comment asking why I take such a dim view of positive law (and I do). I knocked out a quick comment, but I think the topic bears a more thorough explanation. It’s going to take several posts … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: I Can’t Find the Words

BrotherhoodNews.com recently issued this report – MERIDIAN, Miss. (BNc) — The Northside congregation hosted a Bible debate on church benevolence Jan. 21-22. Thursday night Patrick Donahue of Huntsville, Ala., affirmed that, “The Bible does not authorize use of the church … Continue reading

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New Posts by J. James Albert at “California Letter”

Joy Question 5: Is the doctrine of salvation by works as taught by the majority of the Churches of Christ in accordance with Biblical teaching? Question 12: What is “Fellowship”?

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Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan: Hagah

A few weeks ago, I attended a seminar taught by Ray Vander Laan near here. I took my new netbook with me and furiously typed notes. Now it’s time to report a few of the lessons to the readers. (RVL’s … Continue reading

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