Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | July 3, 2018
Are we living the gospel story in our congregation? Let’s look at Ephesians 4:1-3 I. THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR GOAL Therefore (the “therefore” goes back to the gospel story “in Christ” that we bless God for – chapters 1-3) I, the prisoner in the Lord, (Next Paul issues our challenge) urge you to live worthy […]
PHall | July 3, 2018
Do Christians have an easier time loving their enemies than tolerating their fellow Christians? Both are commands (Mt.5:44; Eph.4:2). Both are covered in the latter part of Romans 12. More importantly, both are covered in the cross. Jesus died for those mocking him to His face, standing at His feet. Jesus died for those who […]
PHall | June 28, 2018
A – 1) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus B – through the will of God, C – to the saints that are at Ephesus, C’ and the faithful in Christ Jesus: B’ 2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father A’ – and the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice how even “Christ Jesus” […]
PHall | June 27, 2018
In a section of Atlanta we are reminded of America’s complicated past. Within a few blocks there are signs in memory of the Confederacy, Martin Luther King, and the Cherokees. The ideal of America has always been more glorious than its reality. This is the same for the church. Ephesians presents a glorious, unblemished, exalted […]
PHall | June 16, 2018
What makes us distinct? Israel began in Abraham with circumcision as a segregated symbol. The nation continued under Moses with dietary laws and the Sabbath, again as segregated symbols. Good Jews were marked by these distinguising features. What, if anything, symbolizes Christianity? One answer would be confessing Jesus as the son of David, and Son […]
PHall | June 2, 2018
Consider this: If baptism is considered a “work” and therefore can’t be part of our salvation (according to how some interpret Ephesians 2:8); then after salvation how can Christians be “His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10)? If we […]
PHall | June 2, 2018
Consider this our warning: 1. Around 52 AD, on Paul’s second evangelistic tour, he, along with Priscilla and Aquila, visited Ephesus after leaving Corinth, and seeded the church there (Acts 18:19). 2. Around 54-56 AD, on the third preaching journey, Paul spent between two and three years teaching in the Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10). 3. Around […]
PHall | May 31, 2018
I have a challenge for us regarding our singing. But first some questions: Have you ever just turned on the radio, heard your favorite song, and belted it out like you were a rock or country star? Have you ever sang so loudly you embarrassed your children? Do you barely sing above a whisper in […]
PHall | May 23, 2018
Biblical Unity in Diversity – I was listening to Ephesians and it struck me how chapter 4 starts off with seven “ones” (hope, baptism, faith, etc.) and then goes to four “somes” (apostles, evangelists, etc.) We are united but diversified which leads to more unity as the gifts help the body minister to itself from […]
PHall | May 21, 2018
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” (CSB) “See, there is no mention of baptism, only faith therefore faith only.” Many no doubt have used or heard that argument. But what if […]