Marriage is a physical symbol of a spiritual reality. The apostle uses the same analogy when addressing the church in the city of Corinth: I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. 2 Corinthians 11:2 God’s Nature Demonstrated through Marriage The Bible, therefore, treats very … [Read more...]
An ‘Appointed Time’: A word to the global church
You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times (kairos). Matthew 16:3 You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come. Psalm 102:13 Not all moments of history are equal. Some are hinges on which a quantum increase of the kingdom swings. We are currently … [Read more...]
The New Reformation: Its Spirit and Structure (Part 2)
... until a time of reformation Hebrews 9:10 Having established the deeply personal heart-foundation of reformation let us move from the individual to the corporate—from the new wine of the processed heart to the wineskin of corporate life. Like the 16th Century Reformation, the new reformation will be triggered through the unveiling of a truth. However, the unfolding of … [Read more...]
The New Reformation: Its Spirit and Structure (Part 1)
... until a time of reformation Hebrews 9:10 Christ's coming triggered a reformation, inaugurating a new order. The letter to the Hebrews is a transitional, and therefore, reformational book. Using both comparison and contrast, it shows the superiority of the new over the old, calling the believing Hebrews into complete transition. With a foot in both camps, they were caught … [Read more...]
OUT OF THE BOAT! Jesus and the Contemporary Church
… they thought he was a ghost. Mark 6:49 Jesus, teaching on the mount they knew. Jesus, feeding the five-thousand, and even raising the dead, they knew! But what was this new and strange manifestation? The disciples had been directed by Jesus to get into a boat and cross the lake to Bethsaida. When evening came a storm had blown up and they were ‘straining’ on the oars as … [Read more...]
