The Gospel, The Cure of Cowardice

“…cowardice would seem to be a sort of fearful yielding of the soul” (Theophrastus, Characters [371-287 BC]) Cowardice “is a disease graver than any that affects the body since it destroys the faculties of the soul. Diseases of the body flourish but for a short time, but cowardice is an inbred evil, as closely inherent …

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Considering Bible Translation, Two Recent Essays

The method or theory of bible translation is an important and, at times, a complicated issue. It is something pastors need to consider. I have made clear elsewhere that I favor a more literal translation, rather than a dynamic equivalence approach. I don’t think dynamic equivalence translations are evil, but I think there is much …

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Ordination sermon from 1 Thess 2:1-3:10

I was honored last week to preach the ordination sermon for Corey Cummings, a former student. I recently posted his prayer of dedication. The audio of the sermon has now been posted as well. I took up 1 Thessalonians 2:1-3:10 where Paul describes his ministry among the Thessalonians, using his practice as an example of …

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Decline of Bible Reading

“…within the last generation the Bible reading which used to be traditional in England has lapsed.  It is quite common to meet with young people who do not know the Bible stories even as stories.” – George Orwell, “The English People,” 1944

KJV Anniversary & the Waning Influence of the Bible in American Culture

Robert Alter, in his fascinating book, Pen of Iron: American Prose and the King James Bible, makes this observation about the difference seen in American culture from the 300th anniversary of the KJV (1911) to today. “As I assemble these reflections on the presence of the King James Version in American writing, the fourth centennial …

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