Interesting historical note. In the early 20th century, Flint River took a break during the flu outbreaks. I also found a historical notes that they took brief hiatuses during small pox outbreaks, when the Flint River flooded, and even due to Union occupation during the Civil War. Should things get dangerous out there (and we’re…
Author: Benjamin Winslett
Is God Impressed?
When the disciples commented on the amazing architecture of Herod’s Temple, Jesus wasn’t so impressed (Mth 24:1-2). In fact, His reply was to inform them that not one stone of that structure would be left standing after God sent His judgment on Jerusalem, a judgment that would come in the siege of General Titus in…
Segregated Worship Saddens Me
God never intended families to be segregated in worship. In fact, God disapproves of divisions in worship because Christ is not divided. Therefore, there is “neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female,” but all one in Christ. The simple analogy of the church being the “body of Christ” is enough to tell…
Empathy
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” – Romans 12:15 As a part of Christian life, we’re called on by God to practice empathy. That is to say, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. As Paul wrote, we mourn with them that mourn and rejoice with…
A Brief Note on Annointing
Studying through 1 John presently on the radio brought to mind some interesting facts about the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. John uses the word “anointing” with reference to the work of the Spirit. In the Old Testament, anointing had two purposes: Priests were anointed to ceremonially prepare them for their ministerial…
Qualifications of the Minister
The qualifications of the ministry aren’t a suggestion. If a candidate doesn’t fit these, he’s not qualified. If a preacher who was once steadfast falls from this standard, he’s no longer qualified. We all fail, myself daily. But these qualifications are what they are, and no one is to get a free pass. Each of…
The Record of the Crucifixion from Mark’s Gospel
Last month, Josh Winslett posted an article discussing the day of the week on which Jesus was crucified. The traditional view of Christianity is that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. In recent times, this has been questioned because of the prophecy of Christ regarding the sign of the prophet Jonah, that He would be…
Avoiding Extremes
While controversy often results in precision in how theology is expressed, we must be careful not rush to the opposite extreme of that which we disagree. There is a ditch on each side of the road. Opposing an idea by swerving to the opposite extreme renders one in just as much error as he initially…
The Lord is not Slack
Below is a brief exegesis of 2 Peter 3:9, a commonly misunderstood and misused passage of scripture. More times than not, it’s the “go to” verse to disprove the concept of election. Ironically, it’s a passage that DEPENDS on and ASSUMES election, as you’ll see. 2 Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning…