Even if we were to study a book of the Bible one verse at a time, there would still be no way extracting every nugget of truth and wisdom from its pages, so given the pace with which we will be studying Exodus (often moving one chapter or more per week), there will obviously be …
Continue reading Deceiving the Serpent: Was It Sin for the Midwives to Deceive Pharaoh?
Today we say goodbye to 2021 and make ourselves ready for 2022. As I did last year, I would like to make my final post of the year one that both looks forward to what the new year might hold as well as looking back on some highlights of the previous year. So, what’s the …
I have a thought or two about the whole Kyle Rittenhouse trial and verdict. But let me first say that I am glad that the calling of a pastor does not include the requirement of being a cultural commentator. I am too slow of thought to have something scriptural and meaningful say before social media …
I have recently been reading through a few of C. S. Lewis’ essays on fantasy (compiled in the book Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories[1])and came across the following paragraph within an essay titled “On Three Ways of Writing for Children,” which was very intriguing since I have recently discussed the relationship between children and …
Before we can discuss the titular question, allow me to lay out a very brief but necessary biblical framework for the importance of passing down stories to our children. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is a foundational text within all of Scripture for, at least, three reasons. First, it provides the great confession of the Old Testament: “The …
Continue reading Is Disney or Scripture Catechizing Your Child’s Imagination?
Happy Reformation Day! Today we celebrate and remember the work that God began during the Reformation through Luther's nailing of the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. Since we rightly celebrate the Reformation by affirming the Five Solas, here are five sermons that capture those glorious themes. For Scripture Alone, read The Authority of Scripture. …
The Chosen, a crowd-funded series depicting the ministry of Jesus, particularly by focusing upon the twelve disciples, has been a smashing success. Given its success and that I am a pastor, the question "What do you think about The Chosen?" is common one. While I have intended to share some of my thoughts for some …
This week I have begun reading through the first volume of Right Now Counts Forever, the four-volume collection of R. C. Sproul’s monthly columns on current events from the Tabletalk Magazine. The first article is from May 1977, and I have found those early ones quite fascinating. I’ve heard some make comparisons of the U.S.’s …
Over the past two Sundays, I preached two fairly well-known texts, Jesus calming the storm and Jesus healing the demoniac. While studying for the first sermon, I began to think about all the possible applications that could be made from that passage, yet increasingly, I became even more rooted in my conviction that Mark particularly …
In our study of what the Bible has to say about pride and humility (presented quite purposely on “pride month"), we arrive at the third of three interrelated texts. Proverbs 3:34, of course, is the core since it is cited by both James and Peter, and it defined the sharp dichotomy between the proud and …
Continue reading Humility, Anxiety, & the Devil | 1 Peter 5:5
B. C. Newton 