“Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” J. Wesley
There has been a lot written about spiritual warfare. Most discussions focus on the celebrated passage in Ephesians 6 concentrating on the full armor of God. That is a remarkable passage, but I think the Scriptures give us far more than defensive armor and one weapon. As powerful as the …
Continue reading "Weapons of Spiritual Warfare: Part 1 – Who Are We Fighting?"
Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically by Beth Felker Jones My rating: 4 of 5 stars In her book, Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically, Wheaton University’s Dr. Beth Felker Jones presents an argument that theology is not just for academic discussion. No, theology must go beyond …
What makes the New Covenant superior to the Old Covenant? The writer of Hebrews makes a bold claim in chapter 8:6. “But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.” He is claiming that a New Covenant …
As a follow up to my last blog, here is a sermon I gave on this subject. I go a little bit deeper than my Blog. The sermon can be found Here. Here are the links to Sister Amber's testimony: Part 1 and Part 2 Sermon notes: The Power of Testimony Testimony enhances our spiritual …
In the three accounts of Paul’s conversion, there are some differences in what those who were with him saw and heard. Do these differences discredit Paul’s testimony? When giving testimony, the one who is testifying needs to have credibility. Credibility leads authority to the testimony to persuade or confirm facts that are under consideration. In …
What was it about the “tax collectors and sinners” that caused such angst among the Pharisees, but who were the object of much of Jesus’ ministry? Luke 15 presents an interesting confrontation between the religious leaders and Jesus. Since the beginning of his ministry, Jesus spent the most time with those who were outside …
Jesus used the words “follow me” when calling the apostles. What was it about this calling that was different from other callings? Mark describes Jesus calling five of the twelve apostles in the passages 1:16-20 and 2:13-14. For Andrew, Simon, James, John, and Matthew, the call resulted in an immediate following (1:16-20). The calling of …
Continue reading "On Being a Disciple Thoughts on Mark 1 & 2"
Anointed to Heal: True Stories and Practical Insight for Praying for the Sick by Bill Johnson My rating: 2 of 5 stars I wanted to like this book. I really am inspired by Bill Johnson's and Randy Clark's ministry. These two men have been obedient to bringing the Gospel and the name of Jesus to …
The Potter's Promise: A Biblical Defense of Traditional Soteriology by Leighton Flowers My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is an outstanding resource for those who want to look into Traditionalist Soteriology. Dr. Flowers dives deep into traditionally Calvinistic passages and demonstrates some of the faulty exegesis and hermeneutical interpretations of Reformed thinkers. Not afraid …
The life of Thomas Hooker reveals how opposition is really opportunity.
Bob visits a very special literary and historical site to talk about bitterness.
In his continuing series Motorcycle Mondays...
When I lived in New England, many of the towns I rode through had these greens in the center of town.
What is God’s responsibility for unity and what are the believers’ responsibilities? In the first section of Ephesians 4, Paul makes reference to unity or describes unity. The oneness of the faith in vss. 3 – 5 stresses a theological unity. Vss. 11-14 describe leadership roles that build up the maturity of the body in …
Continue reading "Living in the culture – reflections on Ephesians 4"
Continuing his Motorcycle Monday series, Bob visits Yale.
I recently had the privilege of preaching at the Vineyard Church of Rock Hill on God's Justice. Many Thanks to the leadership team and Ben Ganson (who had some awesome closing comments) for trusting me in the pulpit! Here is the LINK Here is the Larry Norman song, The Great American Novel, that I quote …
I will be reposting the Bob Hazlett's video Motorcycle Mondays here on Wednesdays. He has some great insights that I want to share.
Luke 19:16-31 (NIV) 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his …
Acts 8:9-23New International Version (NIV) Simon the Sorcerer 9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called …
Why do the two questions in 42:5, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?", lead the writer to refer to geographical locations? The writer of the Psalm is in deep despair. He began to answer his questions first by a declaration of hope. "Put your hope in God, for I …
Why did Joshua challenge the nation of Israel in the midst of the covenant renewal? Before we get into the challenge Joshua gave to Israel inverse 15, it is important that vs. 14 is properly understood. Joshua is issued a challenge, but what does this challenge really man and why is it important that he …
The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant R. Osborne My rating: 3 of 5 stars This book is very academic, and I compare this to Fee and Stuart's book "How to Read The Bible For All Its Worth". Fee and Stuart have a much more accessible work geared towards scholar and …
The Wandering Wesleyan 