Most people tend to skim over this chapter in their Bible reading. This is a boring genealogy, a long list of names that means virtually nothing to modern sensibilities. Or so we think. In reality, the meaning and impact of this chapter are fundamental to Genesis’ development of the effects of sin upon humanity. It …
the forgiveness of sins For our penultimate study of the Apostles’ Creed, we continue our exploration of Article 3. Having addressed the Holy Spirit and the local and universal church, we now come to the forgiveness of sins. In order to understand this doctrine, we will spend most of our time in Ephesians 2:1-10 before …
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:24 ESV The natural impulse is to hoard. Money, food, stuff. Everything is gathered together, then guarded. We don't call it selfishness. It's self-preservation, prudence. After all, how can we help others if we don't …
Continue reading One Gives Freely; Another Withholds | Proverbs 11:24
Sin is like a waterslide. What often begins as a harmless play along the ledge, quickly leads to a downward slide that cannot be stopped. Such is the case with the second generation of humanity. In this chapter, we will study the story of Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve. Within the span …
the communion of saints Having addressed our affirmation of the church universal, we will now turn, in our study of the Apostles' Creed, to the local church. As with the holy, catholic church, the communion of saints in its fullness is the collective sum of believers throughout time and space; however, we participate in …
Just as the first half of chapter 3 dismantled the relationship between the man and woman established at the end of chapter 2, this latter portion of chapter 3 will undo the restful paradise given in the first half of the second chapter. If we were ever confused as to why the first sin is …
the holy, catholic Church Since Article 3 of the Apostles’ Creed is dedicated to the study of the Person and work of God the Spirit, we might be surprised, therefore, to find that the remainder of the creed no longer directly references the Holy Spirit. Yet, as we discussed last week, the Holy Spirit …
The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want. Proverbs 13:25 What is this proverb's setting? Everywhere. The righteous has enough, always. The righteous man or woman is content. Even in times of hunger, they are satisfied. But the wicked are not so. They are governed by …
Continue reading The Belly of the Wicked Suffers Want | Proverbs 13:25
The event transcribed within these verses of Genesis is one of the most significant to occur within the entire Bible. In fact, the problem that arises from these words is the great conflict of all Scripture. The humans that the LORD God created to be His image-bearers choose to revolt against their Creator. This unauthorized …
I believe in the Holy Spirit In our study through the Apostles’ Creed, we have completed Article 1, which focused upon God the Father, and Article 2, which considers God the Son. We now, therefore, come to Article 3, which has God the Spirit for its theme. Some theologians, such as Calvin, viewed the creed …
B. C. Newton 