One of the more crucial passages at the core of the debate over which family of manuscripts should be the basis for any Bible translation in any language is 1 John 5:7, also called the Johannine Comma. While it’s true that the passage is absent from the two older, Alexandrian manuscripts (dating to the 4th…
Author: Benjamin Winslett
A Deacon’s Charge
Recently at Flint River, we were blessed to ordain a couple of deacons. Our service was a bit more abbreviated than the traditional, all day ordination. We met at 10, had a half hour each of singing and preaching respectively, and then went directly into the ordination. Due to the nature of the day, my…
Some Thoughts on Melchizedek
A friend recently asked me a few questions while studying through the Book of Hebrews. I thought the questions and my answers would make an interesting, short blog entry. You’ll find them below: As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he…
The Spiritual Importance of Communion
I am anticipating the Lord’s Supper this Sunday, reflecting on passages of scripture about the first Communion service in the gospels and also Paul’s words about the service in 1 Corinthians. Consider this passage: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we…
Short Note on the Preservation of the Word
Point to consider: If we found an ancient manuscript of a portion of God’s word, and this manuscript was considerably different than what we’ve recognized as God’s word throughout the centuries, rather than embracing the new text and altering our Bibles, we would keep our current reading. Why? It is a fundamental tenet of the…
Get To Work, You!
Ministers should understand from the onset that their purpose is to serve the Lord’s bride, His church. Sometimes, a man will have it in his mind that he’s a “big name” preacher and can only serve a “big name” church. This attitude will ruin a man and any church he assumes the care for, unless…
We’re All Like Rahab
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? James 2:25 We’re all familiar with the story of Rahab,…
Off the High Horse
Please don’t take this the wrong way. I really don’t understand the obsession so many believers have with judging the eternal salvation of others. I see it among both Arminian and Calvinist believers, but probably worse among Calvinists. Look – the foundation of God stands sure having this seal, the Lord knows them that are…
Short Note on the New Birth
To say the new birth makes no difference, whatsoever, in a person’s life is just as much an error as insisting born again people will always grow more and more holy, persevering in righteous living until death, with death being the most holy point of their life in a practical sense. The reality is that…