Having observed the ordination of the first seven deacons in our previous study, we constructed a biblical portrait of what deacons’ responsibilities are in the church, namely that they are servants, ministers, and guardians of church unity. As we did with elders, we now proceed to study what the qualifications are for being a deacon. …
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept …
Continue reading Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD | Psalm 124
A man stands on the street corner, proclaiming despite the murmur, "come and drink the living water that the Most Holy Potter blessedly offers to sinners bound for the slaughter!" His message is one of good news, of redemption if we so choose to forsake all else for the Savior's cause, but often i fear …
Continue reading Blessings & Curses (a meditation on Deuteronomy 29)
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on …
24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. the same for everyone no more, no less each a singular event never repeated a new sky with its nebulous arrangements, a new length and shade of grass, a fresh combination of temperature and humidity, a slightly different frame of mind, an shifted temperament, every cell a day older, …
Lift up mine eyes... How? They are so easily drawn to the things near by. Created shapes and forms scream and cry for my attention, for my affection. Zion is too distant to be real, so I wrestle desperately to maintain zeal …
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; …
Oh Lord, deliver me from mouths that promise salvation. They offer balm for comforting, but in their heart lies deception. Exiled, I am stranded here a castaway, lost at sea. From Meshech far to Kedar near, my soul yearns for Your reprieve. Peaceable I ever am; their longing is only war. Rescue with Your mighty …
In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe to me, that …
The Songs of Ascents are a collection of psalms within the overall Psalter. In order, therefore, to understand these fifteen psalms, we must first come to a basic knowledge of the Psalms as a whole. The book of Psalms is a collection of poems within the Bible. Although the book’s arrangement may appear quite random …
Continue reading Of the Psalms & Songs of Ascents: understanding the songs & prayers of God’s people
B. C. Newton 