OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE BIBLE
Any helpful discussion of the Bible must be based on this fundamental premise: God’s word is not in the Bible; it is the Bible. No, it isn't that the material pages and the physical bindings are sacred. The print, no matter if it is red or black, is not holy ink! No, indeed, it is the message of Scripture (verbal inspiration) that is divinely given (1 Cor. 2:13). The Bible (all of it, plenary inspiration) is the Word of God (2 Tim.… |
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The Importance of Denying Self
I wouldn’t blame you for seeing the title of this week’s Exhorter and perhaps
thinking to yourself, “Maybe I’ll just wait and pick up next week’s article.” The
idea of self-denial doesn’t exactly have the same appeal as some of the other
virtues we read about in scripture. If I’m being candid, I’d prefer to write about
something seemingly more positive and uplifting such as joy, kindness,
faithfulness or love. Self-denial by contrast doesn’t evoke the same warm and
fuzzy feelings, but more likely makes us squirm uncomfortably in our seats. Sort
of like a trip… -
Various Trials
1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more
precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
To call the persecution of the Christians in and around Asia Minor, “various trials”
seems, by my estimation, inadequate. I believe it fair to assume that some of the
“Exiles of the Dispersion” rolled their eyes, or possibly…
