So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God Ephesians 2:19 ESV When discussing the nature of the church, it is not uncommon to hear two concepts being proposed. One says that the church is an organization or corporation, and …
Continue reading The Church Isn’t an Organization or a Movement; It’s a Household
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… Psalm 1:1 ESV Last week we began our meditations through Psalm 1 by focusing upon the very first phrase, “Blessed is the man…” As we noted, blessedness in the Bible flows from being favored by the Blessed One. Thus, to be blessed is a state that …
Yesterday I did not preach since my second daughter was born over the weekend. As per my usual pattern, here is older sermon notes that I haven't yet posted. praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, …
Throughout this series, we have said much about secularism, particularly through each statement of the Secular Creed. However, if we stopped the discussion there, we might very well be left with the age-old question: so what? I aim to answer that very question with this final post by thinking through how Christians should respond to …
Continue reading Avoid Such People: Responding to the Secular Creed
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call …
Continue reading Epilogue: Abandoned Love | Revelation 2:1-7
I did not preach yesterday, so I am posting the completed sermon notes for a portion of the armor of God that I did not preach over. and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 ESV With this third piece of the armor of …
I typically compile some snapshot background information at the beginning of whichever book I am studying, not the end. Yet between a prologue sermon and another spent entirely on the first two verses, I never made such a post for Paul's letter to the Ephesians, until now (better late than never, right?). Much of this …
So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to …
There is something inherently intriguing about an epic story. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books (and films) are grand and sweeping narratives of which we simply cannot have enough. The highly popular Marvel Cinematic Universe is a collection of individual stories that connect and interplay over different periods, locations, and even mediums. …
Continue reading Remembering Our Place in God’s Cosmic Epic | Notebook Scribbles (iv)
Since I did not preach yesterday, I am posting my finally completed notes from an earlier portion of Ephesians from back in Kingdom Life that I also did not preach. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, …
B. C. Newton 