Emergent Theology claims theological certainty is an idol, but Paul claims the authority to speak on behalf of God.
Emergent Theology building on thin air
read more...
Blog
Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
57 Why Jesus Brought a Sword (Matthew 10:34-39)
Ultimately Jesus’ role is to bring peace and restoration to the earth, but not yet. Now he came to bring a sword because his message requires a choice and that choice divides even families. To follow Jesus, you must be willing to live with that rejection and hostility, even if it means losing your closest family members or your very life.
finish, teleó, G5055
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb to end, complete or fulfill, teleó, G5055.
Growing Older and Breaking the Huddle Syndrome
With my birthday approaching, I’m again wondering “how someone so young can be this old?” That thought inspired this 2015 post on how in modern American culture growing older means becoming invisible. Unfortunately this trend is also infecting the church.
Celebrate! by Reggie Coates
This is Reggie Coates playing and singing his song Celebrate! Jesus makes life worth living and celebrating! Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy!”
56 How to Overcome Fear When Following Jesus Costs Everything (Matthew 10:24-33)
All of us face the question: What am I going to believe so much that it changes the way I think, respond and make choices? I make those decisions based on what or who I fear most. Jesus says the wisest choice is to fear God.
reward, misthos, G3408
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for reward, misthos.
How to slow down a podcast
My international listeners tell me they sometimes have trouble keeping up, because English is not their first language. If you find you aren’t catching everything, you can slow down the podcast. Most podcast apps have a speed adjustment.
September 2022 Reflections
No sandals? No tunic? No staff? No payment? Jesus instructs to the 12 on their first missionary journey not to take extra provisions nor seek payment for their efforts. Why?
55 What “Before the Son of Man Comes” Means (Matthew 10:23)
Matthew 10:23 is one of the most difficult verses in the New Testament. It raises many eschatological problems. This podcast provides an overview of the options and issues.
45+ Sample Icebreakers
Tired of the same old icebreakers? Are you using the same 3 interesting facts about yourself at every group and gathering? Here are 45 sample icebreakers to kick start your thinking.
54 Why Jesus Made Ministry Harder for His Disciples (Matthew 10:8-23)
On this journey, Jesus deliberately makes his apostles dependent on the hospitality of the children of Israel by instructing them not to take provisions. The apostles might expect they are launching a victory tour, but they will learn first-hand how the children of Israel will reject the Messiah.
worthy, axios, G514
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for worthy, axios.
8-Minute Worship
Enjoy this 8-minute video of Reggie Coates leading worship at a Sunday morning service with First Baptist Church in Watsonville, California.
53 What Jesus Taught the 12 Before Their First Mission Trip (Matthew 9:35-10:8)
Matthew presents this initial sending of the Twelve as a first step toward their ultimate global mission. Even though they are to stay in Jewish territory on this journey, ultimately, Jesus is going to send them to the world.
What does it mean to fear God?
In biblical terms, the word “fear” does not usually focus on feelings of terror or fright. “Fear” is a motivating emotion. We use “fear” to determine what we will do in any given situation.
Sheep in Scripture
Metaphors about sheep and their shepherd have a rich background in the Old Testament that continues in the New Testament. Without a shepherd, sheep can easily end up hungry, lost and the victim of predators.
What is the Nature of Faith?
Some see faith as a settled issue, something we no longer have to think about once we pray the sinners prayer. Others see faith as a journey with trials and troubles along the way. The goal is to grow and persevere. Which approach we take influences how we interpret the Bible. (I take the second approach.)
Home Concert Refresh
Enjoy a refreshing half hour of Reggie Coates sharing his own songs during one of his home concerts. May you be encouraged and reminded of essential truths.
August 2022 Reflections
Did you know there is more to Wednesday in the Word than a podcast? The website contains over 1000 pages of free bible study tools and resources. As you resume your local bible studies, WitW can help you with your homework. I’ve got a resource page for each book of the Bible with links to tools, commentaries, outlines and articles. It’s all free and growing!
Online Bible Dictionaries & Lexicons You Can Access Free
After gathering an idea of the word’s meaning from your own study, it’s a good time to check the conclusions of other scholars and reference works. Here are some free online places to look.
52 Why Jesus Healed the Blind: The Message Behind the Miracle (Matthew 9:27-34)
In these last two miracles, Matthew foreshadows the growing conflict with the Pharisees. While the crowds are excited and amazed, the Pharisees reject Jesus as working with the devil. Ultimately the unbelief of the Jewish leadership will be a crucial part of the story.
50 Modern Bible Commentaries You Can Read Online
You’re probably aware that many classic commentaries are free online, but did you know many modern commentaries (written after 1970) are also online?
How to use e-sword to parse a word
Even if you don’t know biblical Greek or Hebrew, you can do a lot with the original languages, if you understand some basic grammar and have a few good tools.
51 Why Jesus called Death Sleeping (Matthew 9:18-26)
In the raising of Jairus’s daughter, we learn that death should no longer command fear and power over us, because we follow a savior with authority over death.
fear, phobeo, G5399
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb: to fear, phobeó G5399.
50 Why Jesus Stopped Everything to Heal One Outcast Woman (Matthew 9:18-26)
Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” In a metaphorical way, he asks it still. You can try to touch his robe and then run away. But if you do, you’re missing the greatest gift of all: salvation.
coming, parousia, G3952
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek word for coming, parousia G3952.
49 Why Jesus Refused to Fast Like the Pharisees (Matthew 9:14-17)
In these stories, Jesus challenges the religious culture and practices of the Pharisees, not the Old Testament. His understanding is so fundamentally incompatible with the Pharisees that if he tried to reform their their views, he would only destroy them.
Olivet Discourse: Comparing the Synoptic Gospels
The Olivet Discourse is a conversation Jesus had with his disciples shortly before his crucifixion. As they sat on the Mount of Olives looking across at the temple, Jesus explained many things about the coming destruction of the temple. While Matthew provides the fullest account, this teaching is found in all three synoptic gospels.
July 2022 Reflections
As we continue studying the miracles recorded in Matthew 8-9, watch for how the miracles both point backward to the prophets (e.g. Isaiah 35:3-6) and ahead to the fullness of the promise to come.
48 Why Jesus Ate with Sinners And What It Means for You (Matthew 9:9-13)
Jesus sat and ate among the tax collectors with the message, repent for the kingdom of God is at hand and that is a message we do well to share. The most loving thing we can do is to help people deal with their real problem.
What is hesed, God’s lovingkindess?
What is hesed? The Hebrew word is important in the Old Testament. If hesed was a recipe, it would have three ingredients.
47 Why Jesus Forgave Sins Before Healing the Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)
Jesus demonstrates that he has authority from God to forgive sins by calling upon the power of God to heal the paralytic. In addition to the faith of the paralytic, the miracles support our faith by demonstrating that God has given Jesus authority.
believe, pisteuó, G4100
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek verb for to believe pisteuó G4100.
46 Why Jesus Sent 2,000 Pigs Into the Sea, And What It Means for You (Matthew 8:28-34)
When Jesus heals the demoniacs, we learn Jesus has God-given authority over the powers of darkness and evil. In the last podcast, we saw that Jesus has God-given authority over the power of nature. Together they build the case that Jesus is the Messiah.