PHall | October 10, 2018
Two opposite trends: 1) Basing salvation on how much we get right doctrinally; 2) Probing the question “How much or little do we need to get right doctrinally to be saved?” I have problems with both because the Bible as inspired by the Holy Spirit presents both as against God’s will. 1) Doesn’t understand justification […]
Category: Bible |
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PHall | October 10, 2018
Too quickly we see what is not there; and take too long to see what is there, especially that which is good. This is true of recognizing worth in people, and in God’s word. Here are some thoughts fresh to me on a familiar verse. Acts 22:16: “And now, why are you delaying? Get up […]
Category: Acts |
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Tags: Baptism
PHall | October 10, 2018
Philippians 4:2-3: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.” (CSB’17) Ask and answer […]
Category: Philippians |
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PHall | October 10, 2018
Nearly all religious backgrounds from which early Christians came – Jewish, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and more – had instrumental practices. For centuries churches claiming allegiance to Christ did not use instruments in musical praise. All this explains the term acapella literally meaning in the manner of the church. Even the famed Baptist Charles Spurgeon, “the […]
Category: Ephesians |
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Tags: Instrumental Music
PHall | October 10, 2018
“Let God be God.” I heard that phrase and it struck me and stuck with me due to its simplicity. There are many applications. Let’s look at just one. Numbers 17 reveals a challenge as to whom can serve as priest, that is who can come before the Lord. Notice the complaint begins with a […]
Category: Numbers |
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PHall | October 10, 2018
How important is kindness? If you are a Whovian (Dr. Who fan), you recognize how the 12th Doctor, before regenerating, said, (towards the beginning) Never be cruel, never be cowardly. And never ever eat pears! Remember – hate is always foolish…and love, is always wise. Always try, to be nice and never fail to be […]
Category: Ephesians |
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PHall | October 10, 2018
Punctuation changes the meaning. Consider these two well-known examples: [ ] Let’s eat, Grandma. [ ] Let’s eat Grandma. Commas save lives, so goes the joke. That second one is dangerous for grandma! To understand further Interpretation by Punctuation, lets begin by laying the foundation: [ ] For those who don’t know, when the OT […]
Category: Titus |
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Tags: Eldership, Leadership, Translations
PHall | October 10, 2018
Although unknown among NT churches, the group now called The Roman Catholic Church introduced “it” into its ritual centuries later. By 1000 AD “it” became more common. For centuries after that millennium, some churches in protestation to Catholicism also excluded “it” in church. Today several religious groups still don’t use “it” in their assemblies: Orthodox […]
Category: Ephesians |
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Tags: Instrumental Music, Worship
PHall | October 10, 2018
Trigger words, warnings concerning such, and an ever evolving PC culture are defining this era. That’s sad – and scary (political correctness was a term coined by Vladimir Lenin); and this is nothing new. Check out the speech (if I say sermon would that be a trigger word?) Paul makes in his defense in Acts […]
Category: Acts |
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Tags: Politically Correct