Monthly Archives: January 2011

Brokenness (Psa 51:16-17 ESV) 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, … Continue reading →

Most readers will be familiar with Al Maxey. Al is the author of the “Reflections” weekly emails and a pioneer in Internet ministry among Churches of Christ. Al has labored mightily for many years teaching a more grace-filled, Christ-centered theology. … Continue reading →

(1Sa 31:1 ESV) Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and … Continue reading →

The scriptures have a number of fascinating stories about David and his 600 warriors during the time they were fleeing the wilderness, but they are not presenting in chronological order. Here is one I always considered intriguing. (2Sa 23:13-17 ESV) … Continue reading →

Regular readers know that I spend a lot of time wrestling with Galatians. It’s a vitally important book for the modern Churches of Christ. And its theme is that it’s a deadly sin, indeed, a perversion of the gospel, to … Continue reading →

I’m experimenting with a new pattern. No, not a pattern of worship or church organization. A pattern for how to post on this blog. Readers will remember that I took a Sabbatical of sorts a few weeks ago — for … Continue reading →

A reader asks whether his church should incorporate. Another reader asks whether a refusal to incorporate will protect the church from power plays such as the one describe in this earlier post. The answer is: yes, a church should unquestionably … Continue reading →

[The baptism series continues. I'll be posting on Real Restoration and on baptism on alternating every-other-days. Trying hard to stick to every other day posts for my sanity.] On how pottery is made (Isa 64:8 ESV)  8 But now, O … Continue reading →

(1Sa 29:1-5 ESV) Now the Philistines had gathered all their forces at Aphek. And the Israelites were encamped by the spring that is in Jezreel. 2 As the lords of the Philistines were passing on by hundreds and by thousands, … Continue reading →

This is a fascinating story. It’s also very strange and filled with ambiguities. It’s really just plain weird. I love it. (1Sa 28:1-25 ESV) In those days the Philistines gathered their forces for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish … Continue reading →