In 1670 Baruch Spinoza anonymously published his Theological-Political Treatise. With this work he created modern Biblical criticism. Spinoza had a much larger goal in writing the treatise. He wanted to undermine the political establishment of his day by undermining their Bible. But Spinoza was seeking more than just religious freedom in a society that rigorously…
Immediately following Thanksgiving day, our whole nation is thrust into the “C” word — Christmas. The stores are filled with people trying to buy the most expensive gifts at the cheapest prices of the year. We call it “Black Friday,” and it is a great memorial to materialism. The earliest evidence for Black Friday seems…
Late last Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday the US Supreme Court issued a decision on an emergency relief petition involving attendance restrictions imposed by the State of New York on houses of worship. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court granted the emergency petition and prohibited New York from enforcing severe restrictions on attendance at…
Revelation 7:9-12 In these times of political, economic and social turmoil, we desperately need the words of Isaiah 33:5-6 “the stability of your times.” That passage exalts our Lord as the stability of our times: He is strong in salvation. With that in mind let us turn to the glorious vision of the One who…
It’s happening already. Headlines this week feature a call on the presumptive Biden administration by an LGBTQ group to drop accreditation from Christian colleges and universities that abide by their biblical convictions concerning the gay and related lifestyles. Trouble is just around the bend. In the early 2000s controversy broke out among fundamentalist schools regarding…
Revelation 3.1-6 This letter is the fifth in a series of seven letters written to churches in Asia Minor at the end of the first century AD. In these letters, John gave a personal message from Christ to each church. Each message expressed Christ’s up-close perspective on the spiritual condition of each one. Just as…
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 You might be sitting in a coffee shop with a friend when you hear this. Or perhaps you will be visiting in a Sunday school class with a friend or relative, and the teacher will say it. The friend or teacher will question the reality of the resurrection – whether anyone really…
Despite everyone’s fixation with the recent presidential election, there were countless other candidates and issues voted on in every state of which this nation is comprised. One proposal on the ballot in the state of Colorado was Proposition 115. This measure, if approved by voters, would have banned the practice of late-term abortion. It would…
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2 The praise of God is normally linked with some historical act on God’s part. It is the response of God’s people to God’s Person and performance. One of the greatest historical acts ever was the creation of…
It’s in the text, so I know it is true, but it is still difficult to actually live out in my life without some miraculous work of the Spirit in me. Paul gave the church at Thessalonica three simple little commands that are confounding. Be rejoicing always. Pray continually. Continually give thanks in all circumstances.…