Category Archives: Index

Buried Talents: Elders, Wives of One Husband? Part 1

When I first taught this material, I passed out a survey on questions involving the role of women. After the class had finished with the survey, I asked, “Which question was the hardest?” A godly woman said, “Whether a woman … Continue reading

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Too Good Not to Share: How to Sabotage Your Church

This is a link to a .pdf of a 1944 CIA manual on how to sabotage an organization, called “Simple Sabotage Field Manual.’ Here are the highlights — (1) Insist on doing everything through “channels.” Never permit short-cuts to be … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: The Identity of the New Jerusalem in Rev 21

Last Sunday, while teaching my class on Surprised by Hope, a student suggested that the new Jerusalem in Rev 21 is the church, reasoning that the church is elsewhere referred to as Jesus’ bride. Jon made the same point in … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Bishop Wright on the Colbert Report

Bishop Wright being interviewed on the Colbert Report — giving as good as he gets. Not many theologians get to be interviewed in such a forum, and fewer still come out as well.

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Which Gospel? Introduction, Part 1

This series is based on a great article in Preaching Today. The author, Skye Jethani, addresses the turmoil in the modern evangelical church over how the gospel should be preached. In most conservative, American Protestant churches the gospel has been … Continue reading

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Buried Talents: Deacons (Conclusions)

In conclusion: 1. In the only possible scriptural description of the role of a deacon, Acts 6:1-6, the apostles themselves described the deacons’ jobs, perhaps ironically, as “waiting on tables.” There is no justification for our expanding the role of … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Will We Go to Heaven When We Die?

In Rev 21-22, we are not pictured as going to heaven. Rather, God’s dwelling is relocated from heaven to the new earth. The new heaven and new earth Do other authors say the same thing? (2 Pet 3:10-13) But the … Continue reading

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Surprised by Hope: Paradise

Paradise Strong’s Dictionary says “paradise” derives from the Hebrew pardec, meaning an orchard or forest. It’s a reference back to Eden. This is strongly suggested by– (Rev. 2:7b) To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from … Continue reading

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Which Gospel? Prologue, the Gospels of Kicking the Smoking Habit

Back a few days ago, I asked a question about just how wrong is smoking? I got 23 comments! I don’t get 23 comments when we talk about women elders! Why such interest in a fairly mundane subject? I mean, … Continue reading

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Buried Talents: Arguments for and against female deacons

The scriptural argument normally centers on 1 Timothy 3:11. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. As indicated by italics in the KJV, “their” … Continue reading

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