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Instead of breaking down a passage of scripture or writing a commentary on a text today, I thought I would throw out a question to you and let you respond back with your thoughts.
When we use the word “Shepherd” to describe a pastor what does that mean to you? In other words, what do you think shepherding looks like practically in today’s culture? Feel free to give an illustration.
I would love to hear your thoughts,
-Pastor Paul
War seems to have been a staple in the ancient Near East and that was no different for the nation of Israel. The Old Testament does not seem to go very far without mentioning some narrative in which war was not involved. The wars particularly that Israel was involved in were significant. They were also quite miraculous in that the enemies they defeated were not enemies that they necessarily should have defeated or were even capable of defeating. None the less they had great victories over some very significant enemies. The question of the significance of the Holy Wars comes into play particularly in the book of Judges. We must also grapple with the question of why God would even ask Israel to go to war. Continue Reading →
Last time we examined Christ’s statements regarding his fulfillment of the Law and Prophets and how his fulfillment on our behalf produces for us the freedom to pursue the righteous requirements of the Law not to be made righteous, but because we have already been made righteous. The section will go back to the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount and examine what has been termed in the church as the Beatitudes.
There are times in our lives when various circumstances can paralyze us in our walk with the Lord. It may be unexpected tragedy, job loss, or simply emotional struggles. When these times fall into our lives it is a good time to seek counsel. Too often seeking counsel has a negative connotation attached to it. Continue Reading →
“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”
In the early days of pastoring this church, I found myself caught in that dilemma of busyness. Busyness was what seemed to control my life. And what I learned was that busyness leaves you feeling like life is out of control. So for me, something had to give!
I have had several conversations lately with people who shy away from reading and studying the Old Testament. They feel that it is antiquated and difficult to understand for daily living. Comments have been made like: I like Genesis, Psalm, and Proverbs, but I don’t read the rest of it; I just understand the N.T. and it connects more with my life; the O.T. is a bunch of stories and the N.T. is about Jesus and our Church. I know from my seminary days that even many of my classmates loved the Greek language over the Hebrew, and so most of their time now is spent studying and preaching the N.T. I want to ask you to pick up your Bible and put the Old Testament in your left hand and your New Testament in your right. Yes, the message of the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension found in your right hand is wonderful, powerful and life changing. But let me tell you, as you explore the Old Testament in light of its central message your whole Bible can come to life with new meaning and understanding.
In my next several blogs I’m going to attempt to direct those who question the relevance, use, and meaning of the Old Testament to the central message of the O.T. Today I want to start our exploration of the central message found in the O.T.
There is much confusion and consequent debate over Jesus Sermon on the Mount. In an effort to help you understand what Jesus is ultimately communicating through his message I have given my exposition on the beginning of Jesus sermon found in Matthew 5:17-20. What does Jesus mean when he says I have come to fulfill the Law? Why does he say that if their righteousness does not exceed that of the Pharisees that they will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven? What is the point of the Sermon? It is simply more rules and regulations that New Covenant believers are now to live by. These questions and more are answered as I attempt to clarify Jesus opening remarks in his Sermon on the Mount.
AN INTERNALLY ORDERED LIFE
ESV II Corinthians 4:1
“Therefore having this ministry by the mercy of God…”
Every Believer has a ministry! That ministry is two-fold and includes the responsibility of making disciples and use of the gifts that the Holy Spirit grants to each Believer. So, you are created by God to impact this culture by obediently using the tools and gifts that God has graced to you.
Pastor/Shepherd – question for you
February 11, 2013
Dare2Share 2013
February 8, 2013
The OT Holy War Motif
November 28, 2012
Inductive Bible Study Class
September 12, 2012
Sermon on the Mount – The Beatitudes
July 12, 2012
