Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
As a ministry leader you probably make a lot of coffee. I’ve found using the Toddy Coffee system is the easiest way to make the most coffee with the least amount of mess, fuss and clean up. Here’s how.
In the story of Abraham we find two sons, two wives, two covenants, two mountains, and two cities. So we have only two options. One option leads to eternal life in the kingdom of God. The other leads to destruction.
Thessalonians Outline: Detailed outlines of the New Testament books 1 & 2 Thessalonians from Wednesday in the Word.
The theology of Spiritual Formation assumes there is a level a spirituality that I can have if I do certain spiritual practices. Prayer is typically is one of those practices. Yet, the biblical picture of prayer is not a spiritual discipline that I use to reach a higher spiritual level. Rather prayer is an unavoidable mandatory battlefield in the war of faith.
In his fourth argument, Paul appeals to the Galatians to return to the true gospel based on his deep affection and concern for them.
My detailed outline of Galatians along with an overview of Paul’s three main themes.
Not only does the theology of spiritual formation aim at the wrong target, spiritual formation seeks the wrong kind of change. While spiritual disciplines focus on success at outward righteous behavior, the Bible teaches that the goal of spiritual maturity is a strong unshakeable faith.
The Judaizers teach you need to place yourself under the guardianship of the Law. Why would adults want to return the restrictions of childhood? Like a child who has come of age, you have graduated from the guardianship of the Law.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek word for elementary, stoicheion, G4747.
The theology of Spiritual Formation sounds great on paper, but it is focused on the wrong target. Progress toward greater spirituality is measured by what can be seen (for example, how well I maintain the routines of sabbath, bible reading, confession; how loving my actions are toward others; how much I experience greater joy and contentment; how well I serve and sacrifice, etc.) which means success is measured by outward righteous behavior. But is outward righteous behavior the right target?
The Law teaches valuable lessons that prepare us for faith and keep us from evil. But, after the Messiah came, we graduated from the protective custody of the Law. All of us receive justification by the same path: faith in Jesus Christ.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for self-control, egkrateia, G1466.
“Spiritual formation” is a hot topic today. But does it work? The Old Testament prophet Haggai would answer no.
A national survey revealed that 42% of pastors considered quitting recently and many already have. There’s no question in my mind that we ask too much of pastors today, but I also think pastors share a bit of the blame. Here’s my solution to the “Great Pastor Resignation.”
Paul argues the Law, which was a deal, does not nullify the promise given to Abraham. In a deal, two parties agree to certain obligations. But a promise is made by one party unconditionally.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the biblical Greek word for gentleness, prautés, G4240.
A conference I attended gave each participant this simple and heartwarming “Conference Survival kit” which contained the following items and Scripture.
In Galatians 3, Paul begins a series of five arguments for justification by faith. In the first two, Paul argues from experience and from the plain teaching of Scripture.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for goodness, agathósuné, G19.
A national survey revealed that 42% of pastors considered quitting and many already have. Here’s how one church avoided that problem.
Galatians 2:11-21: Paul includes rebuking Peter as part of his defense. Paul could rebuke Peter because they had the same view of the gospel. This incident serves two purposes: 1) it furthers Paul’s claim that he and the apostles teach the same gospel; and 2) it introduces this issue of whether gentile believers must keep the law.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for kindness, chréstotés, G5544.
Most women’s ministries offer a discipleship program at some point. While there is no “one size fits all” model for how to implement discipleship, here are some ideas to help you get started.
Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem to consult with the other apostles. They added nothing to his understanding and gave him the right hand of fellowship.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for patience, makrothumia, G3115.
WitW: Galatians started and we’ve already finished chapter 1.
Paul argues he received his gospel first-hand as a revelation from the risen Lord. His lack of contact with the other apostles proves the divine origin of his understanding.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for joy, chara, G5479.
In Galatians 1:1-10, Paul opens his letter by defending his authority and his gospel. He argues you can recognize the true gospel by its source and its substance.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for tutor, paidagógos, G3807.
Galatians Introduction: Paul wrote this letter around 49 AD, about 15 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus to churches he founded during his first missionary journey. After Paul left, the Judaizers began teaching the Galatians they must keep the law to be fully Christian. Paul wrote this letter in response.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Biblical Greek noun: flesh, sarx, G4561.
The Judaizers claimed to believe in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah but insisted followers of Jesus cannot be saved unless they also kept the Mosaic law.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for Spirit/spirit, pneuma
A 15-week Bible study podcast series on Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In Galatians, Paul argues that you can recognize the gospel by its substance, source and result.
What’s coming next on the podcast? Galatians (13 weeks) plus a deep dive into the Fruit of the Spirit (12 weeks). The podcast will return later this summer. Stay tuned for details.