The Alelyon (one another) passages in the New Testament: Encourage and build up each other (1 Thess. 5:11) When I read the apostolic writings of the New Testament, one of the most striking things that I find is a transcendentally positive pastoral tone to what the authors have to say. What is remarkable about this...... Read More

The “alleylon” (one another) passages in the New Testament, Part 7: And so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2b) (In which we continue our brief hiatus from the normal program to revel in even more theology) One of the best aspects of studying theology is that the Holy Spirit has authored an excellent book about...... Read More

The “alleylon” (one another) passages in the New Testament, Part 6: And so fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2b) (In which we take a brief hiatus from our normal program to revel in a bit of theology) If I were Miss Judy from Romper Room* we could have a show of hands in response to...... Read More

The “alleylon” (one another) passages in the New Testament, Part 5c: Bear each others’ burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2) So for the last couple of weeks we’ve been peering into the meaning of this verse in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, attempting to understand what all this carrying...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Last Part: What Have We Learned about Being Happy? Someone once said that if we can’t attain to virtue, at least we can admire it. OK, maybe I made that up, which is something that others, especially Joanne (my wife) have accused me of doing. But that doesn’t make the saying...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 10: Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God. To this point, every Beatitude that we have considered has opened for us a plethora of questions of lesser or greater complexity. This week’s verse is no different, except that I’m...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 9b: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Once upon a time there was a stunningly lame song, the chorus of which began, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I am profoundly sorry to any of you who now...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 7b: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Last week we considered the fact that, when God answers the question, “Who are You?” his self-descriptive disclosure is this: The Lord, the Lord; God gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness … From...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 7a: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. My wife Joanne and I often have a discussion about people whom we know and the positive traits that make them who they are. In some of our conversations, we discuss certain individuals who we are convinced will inhabit a...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall be satisfied. Before plunging in to Jesus’ next statement of happiness, let’s revisit the structure of the Beatitudes and situate the previous blessing of meekness. Looking at the verse to verse progression, it is clear that meekness sits...... Read More