Monthly Archives: February 2011

(1Jo 1:8-10 ESV) 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse … Continue reading →

Verse 4 (1Jo 1:4 ESV) 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. “Our joy” has puzzled commentators for centuries — so much so that some ancient manuscripts say “your joy” (very similar in … Continue reading →

For the quarter beginning in March, my congregation’s adult classes will be studying 1 John. It’s one of my all-time favorite books. In fact, the first Bible class I ever taught in church was a series on 1 John, way … Continue reading →

The great reformer of the church, Martin Luther, wrote, The organ in worship is the insignia of Baal… The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews. “Martin Luther,” Mcclintock & Strong’s Encyclopedia, Volume VI, page 762; Realencyklopadie Fur Protestantische Theologie … Continue reading →

Instruments regarding the Messiah The people had been in mourning during the time of the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah prophesies that the Jews will return from exile and that the coming of the Messiah will result in the restoration of instrumental … Continue reading →

This is a long video — about 1:13. And I rarely listen to, much less recommend, spoken-word videos. I just don’t have the patience for them. I can read so much faster than I can listen. This is THE exception. … Continue reading →

Just thought I’d share a few electronic tips while they’re on my mind. Verizon iPhone My AT&T iPhone 3GS just died. The battery went kaflooeey, and it was cheaper to pay the termination fee than to get the battery replaced. … Continue reading →

[Once again, my response to a thoughtful comment is too long for the comment section, and so I'm using the posting software.] This is in response to the comment of Alexander (aka aBasnar): aBasnar/Alexander, I learn so much from your … Continue reading →

We’ve covered nearly every Old Testament passage dealing explicitly with instrumental music. We now need to fit them into the larger, overall narrative of scripture. One theme that jumps out of text is that David instituted instrumental worship at the … Continue reading →

[HistoryGuy's extensive comment below requires more words for response than the comment engine will allow, and so I'm responding with a post. HistoryGuy's comment argues his case extensively and, I believe, merits a comprehensive response.] HistoryGuy wrote, First, there is … Continue reading →