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Spiritual Disciplines of the Early Church: Ancient Practices for the 21st Century

...e God’s glory arose, and in baptism ritual turning East was a sign of turning away from the devil towards Christ (Jews similarly prayed facing Jerusalem). This is also why many old church buildings are cross-shaped and have the alter end pointing Eastward. For it is required that you pray toward the east, as knowing that which is written: ‘Give ye glory to God, who rideth upon the heaven of heavens toward the east’ (Ps 67.34 LXX [Ps. 68:33 – 34]). Didascalia, Ch. XII (c.250) The various spiritual benefits to fasting are marked throughout the Church Fathers' works on the subject, but I find this quote from Augustine sums it up succinctly: “Fas...

The Gospel of Jeffrey Dahmer

...rt of the glory of God”. I often see this quoted online as inspirational images and posters, or as a way to explain human failings, since no one can live up to what God requires of us through our own efforts. But when you apply this to a repentant murderer, suddenly it’s no longer valid? That’s not how grace works. Look at the surrounding context; Paul makes it abundantly clear that there are no exceptions — for falling short or being saved by grace: …the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace...

Who is the New Jerusalem?

...Lord, his glory fills it up. We can even see this prophesied way, way back in the Old Testament as far as Leviticus and Ezekiel: Leviticus 26:11I will place My residence among you, and I will not reject you.   Ezekiel 37:27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.   But both of these verses come with similar stipulations to what Jesus said about he and the Father making their home in those who believe in Jn 14:21 – if God’s commandments are kept, then he will come and dwell in and with us, if not, he won’t.   I’ve quoted this before in one of my previous articles on the Olivet Discourse, but I...

The Coming Kingdom of the Son of Man

...and great glory. " Matt 24:30   If we also look at when Jesus was before the Council being accused in his trial, the High Priest asks Jesus directly if he is the Messiah, to which he says "I am" and then quotes Dan 7:14 to prove his point and tells them what they will soon see (Matt 26:57-68). Towards the end of this chapter, Jesus uses a fig tree to emphasise the need to be watchful for the signs he already explained, and then concludes by saying "this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place" (Matt 24:34), once again giving a pretty solid time frame for when those listening should expect to see these things come to pass. Bu...

From Paradise to Presents: The Christian Story Behind the Christmas Tree

..., and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” The Jeremiah 10 Debate: Idolatry or Tradition? The Christmas tree has been the subject of much debate, with some questioning whether it has biblical support or condemnation. One of the most frequently cited passages in these discussions is Jeremiah 10:1–5. Some claim that these verses condemn the use of Christmas trees, but a closer look reveals that the text is not addressing this tradition at all. Reading Jeremiah in Context What Does Jeremiah 10:1–5 Say? The passage reads: Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord:Do not learn the way of the nations, or be disma...

Lent 2018: The Temptations of Jesus

...Lent is just around the corner, and so this year I've decided to write a short series over the next 40 days looking at the forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, and the temptations he faced. I'll post a new blog each Sunday of Lent looking at each temptation, and then finish the series just before Easter Sunday looking at “how was Jesus a sacrifice?”. Series outline: Temptation one: Pride (1st Sunday of Lent, February 18, 2018) Temptation two: Worship and glory (2nd Sunday of Lent, February 25, 2018) Temptation three: Testing God (3rd Sunday of Lent, March 4, 2018) Temptation four: Complacency (4th Sunday of Lent, March 11, 2018) Topical: W...