obedience

The Bible is Not a Rule Book

November 26, 2013 // 50 Comments

Imagine it’s your wedding day. You’ve had the ceremony, and you’re starting to relax when the minister hands you a gift, a thick book of Marriage Rules. “Read this,” he says. “The secret to a happy marriage is found within.” You open the book with interest. Inside you discover countless rules and [...]

The commands of John

April 4, 2013 // 57 Comments

A year ago I made a bunch of people mad by saying John never mentions the word “repent” in his gospel. To this day I still get messages from angry folks who say things like, “Well even if John didn’t preach it, you should! We need more preaching on repentance.” Actually I think we need more preaching on [...]

The Root of Obedience

March 26, 2013 // 30 Comments

The other day I was walking with my two little girls to a playground. We were walking along a road that is sometimes used by goods vehicles. My girls were ahead of me and with all the noise and excitement they didn’t notice a van approaching from the right. In a loud voice I told them to stop and they did. Like [...]

The Root of Disobedience

March 21, 2013 // 78 Comments

Here is your standard sermon on obedience: “Adam disobeyed God and suffered the consequences. Jesus gave us a second chance but God demands total obedience. The devil will do what he can to make you disobey because he knows that ‘God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.’ So do what you’re told [...]