Tag Archives: New Testament

New Testament Doctrine — Matthew 3

John the Baptist grew up knowing his mission. He also knew that his cousin Jesus was the Messiah, so his job was to prepare the way for Him. Matthew (another cousin of Jesus) tells us that John began his ministry … Continue reading

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New Testament Doctrine — Luke 1:5-25

We seek shalom — peace with our Creator. The Messiah came to offer His Nation one last chance to retain all the promises and blessings of the Covenant of Moses. This ancient covenant — a suzerain-vassal treaty — had to … Continue reading

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New Series — New Testament Doctrine

This would be a kind of analog of Moses’ Law, but for the New Testament. I didn’t consult with any humans on this. Ya’ll tend to be reticent about such things, so I just went where the wind blew me. … Continue reading

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Pray for the Lord to Build His Church

Let’s think about this so we’ll know how to pray. The imperative of Creation is to reflect God’s glory. Don’t ask who the audience is; that’s missing the point. His glory must shine — period. In the Fall, some other … Continue reading

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Dig Up the Clues

The purpose of a church is to create the atmosphere in which faith grows. Notice I say “the” atmosphere. It’s the same thing as saying we pursue shalom. Peace with God has distinct boundaries, referred to as a covenant. The … Continue reading

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We Are His Peace

Our primary objective in life is to live shalom. If we don’t get that right, nothing else will matter. It is the sole basis for carrying out the Great Commission, because it is what’s behind the phrase, “teaching them to … Continue reading

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Will the Real Scandal Please Stand Up?

Re: 7 “Tragic” Myths about Sexual Abuse: JD Greear at ERLC Caring Well Conference First, a few qualifications: I am not a Baptist. I was once, but whenever Baptists understand what I teach, they want no part of me, so … Continue reading

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Office and Vocation in the Local Church

Thus, we come to the point where we understand that both pastors and elders teach Biblical Law. Pastors (AKA New Testament priests) emphasize the mysticism angle in their ritual leadership. Elders emphasize the practice of the Covenant. They work together … Continue reading

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What Are We Doing?

In order to say more about elders and pastors, it’s necessary to step back just a bit and review what they are doing when working together. Jesus referred to spiritual birth in John 3. But this wasn’t new; He honestly … Continue reading

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The Same God as Always

Our Creator has not changed since Creation began. There is a pernicious heresy, a conscious teaching in some cases, but a passive subconscious assumption by most mainstream Christians that the Old Testament writers didn’t really know God. Or perhaps they … Continue reading

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