Category Archives: Index

The Story: The Law of Moses (and Grace of God), Part 2

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Jay F Guin

Heart obedience It has often been said that the Law of Moses was about external obedience whereas Christianity is about the heart. It’s just not true — and obviously so — (Deu 6:4-6 ESV)  4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Law of Moses (and Grace of God), Part 1

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Jay F Guin

The Law of Moses has a pretty bad reputation among Christians, mainly due to a misunderstanding of Paul on a few points, I think. And so today’s the day that we rehabilitate the Torah. First, “Torah” doesn’t so much mean … Continue reading →

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Deacons: Closing Argument

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Jay F Guin

I’m an elder, but I was a deacon before that, and for quite a long time — although I really can’t remember when I became a deacon. It was that long ago. I don’t disrespect deacons as such. I mean, … Continue reading →

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Deacons: Why I Disagree with the Traditional Views, Part 5 (An Honorific Title? Deacons Without Jobs?)

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Jay F Guin

Continuing to consider our traditions with regard to deacons — 7. “Deacon” is an honorific title. By “honorific,” I mean a title that causes one to write home to mom. Or let me put it this way. Imagine an elders … Continue reading →

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Deacons: Why I Disagree with the Traditional Views, Part 4 (Should We Have a Board of Deacons?)

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Jay F Guin

Continuing to consider our traditional understanding of the role of deacons … Tradition 6. The deacons should meet as a body. Well, if the deacons as a group oversee a specific ministry of the church, as in Acts 6, of … Continue reading →

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Deacons: Why I Disagree with the Traditional Views, Part 3 (What Do Deacons Do?)

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Jay F Guin

We need to dig a little deeper into the text regarding the work of a deacon. Obviously, the work of the seven men in Jerusalem was very important. But it’s a peculiarly Western bias to imagine that important = management. I … Continue reading →

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Deacons: Why I Disagree with the Traditional Views, Part 2 (No Deacons Without Elders? Ignoring the Acts 6 Qualifications?)

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Jay F Guin

I’m continuing to explain why I disagree with the traditional views regarding deacons. Traditional view 2: Scripturally organized churches have deacons, but only if they also have elders. It’s argued that if there are no elders, then the deacons become de … Continue reading →

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Deacons: The Traditional View; Must a Church Have Deacons?

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Jay F Guin

[I’ll be returning both to “The Story” and “Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes.” But this has been on mind lately.] It’s long been taught in Churches of Christ that — 1. A church is not a true church unless it’s … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Passover, Part 3 (Joshua’s Passover)

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Jay F Guin

What does the Passover mean for us today? Well, we start with what it meant for the Israelites. And for them, it was a remembrance of God’s protection and redemption — when God freed them from the shame of slavery … Continue reading →

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The Story: The Passover, Part 2 (Don’t Forget the Tambourines)

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Jay F Guin

You would think that the Song of Moses, famously led by Miriam — legendary leader among Christian feminists — that someone — someone — would have set the words to music. I mean, it’s a very famous song. And this … Continue reading →

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