Does “bear the sword” here mean simply carry it around so people can be impressed with how shiny and sharp it is? Obviously not. It is clearly a figure of speech signifying the government’s whole range of coercive power up to and including capital punishment. And, to top it all off, Paul says that if you oppose this power you’re opposing the God Who gave it.

Robert Dabney is plain here: “Eushemonos” was that sedate dignity and seemliness which the gospel requires of the Lord’s freedmen, the same dignity, exalted and spiritualized, which the Greek ethics exacted of the free–born citizens. “komos” was condemned, partly because it was in contrast with this dignity.

Since certain activities in the life and ministry of a congregation–such as pastoral care–are often carried out by household rather than by individual persons, the pastoral care load of a congregation can actually increase while the individuals present decrease.

The youngest son told the AP in a February 2010 interview that Moon's offspring do not see themselves as his successors. "Our role is not inheriting that messianic role," he said. "Our role is more of the apostles, where we share … where we become the bridge between understanding what kind of lives (our) two parents have lived."

Generally, ceremonial is associated with so-called “high-church” expressions of Christianity. It is certainly a part of the common discourse about the Church of Rome and often appears as a prima facie argument against the Mass. However, I’d like to reconsider this usage of the term.     In a previous post I said, “There is a legitimate... Continue Reading

The trio’s union was formalized three months ago, but has only recently come to light. Same-sex unions have been legally recognized in Brazil from 2004, and last year a judge allowed a same-sex union to be recognized as a gay marriage     Three people in a polygamous relationship have been allowed to enter into... Continue Reading

My contention is that ministers are not therapists. Nor are they counselors except as those who as shepherds who come along side those under their care. They are pastors. They are Ministers of the Word and sacraments. There are limitations to the minister’s calling and abilities.     In 1970 Jay Adams’ Competent to Counsel was published and... Continue Reading

As universities capitulated to a market economy worldview when it came to educational “services,” faith was often marginalized. Truth no longer came from revelation, but from rational scientific proof. In response, faith became subject to the individual (belief) and relegated to the sidelines of the university experience. Students who desired the soothing comfort of faith... Continue Reading

My brother sent me an e-mail about a church that’s attempting to adjust the biblical teaching on the role of women. The rationale they give for explaining away the clear teaching of Scripture is that folks like us take a static approach to God’s Word, “but we take a redemptive approach,” they say.    ... Continue Reading

In a 51-22 vote, the Assembly approved a bill that would not allow those under 18 years of age to undergo sexual orientation change efforts “regardless of the willingness of a patient” or a “patient’s parent.” Senator Ted Lieu introduced SB1172 earlier this year, arguing that conversion therapy could cause “serious harms.” Opponents of the... Continue Reading