(Speical thanks to Everett Ferguson's The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today) D. L. DeBord, M.Div What does a life look like when it is filled with God? It overflows with Godliness. We sing praises to God because we are filled to overflowing with his word and thankfulness to him. Our text in Ephesians … Continue reading A Biblical Theology of Singing
Christian Living
Seasoned with Salt
Words matter. "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me" the old saying goes. That is not true at all. Our bodies seem to heal much faster and easier than our feelings and relationships. Complaining, murmuring, gossip, slander, and divisiveness have no place in the character of God's people. Professor Dumbledore … Continue reading Seasoned with Salt
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity! God is holy, but what does it mean to be holy? Holiness is a "chief attribute of God and a quality to be developed in his people. … Continue reading Holy, Holy, Holy
Make Me a Servant
"Make me a servant. Lord, make me like you." It's a great song and an even better prayer. Jesus himself said, "I came not to serve, but to serve." We should all pray to be more like Jesus by becoming servants of the church. Jesus has designed his church in such a way that, while … Continue reading Make Me a Servant
The Ministry of the Word
Professor Dumbledore said, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” Words used powerfully and beautifully made J.K. Rowling a best selling author. But God's words are infinitely more important. Remember what the Bible says about God's word. In the beginning was the Word--John … Continue reading The Ministry of the Word
Grace and Christian Ministry
Grace is “God’s unmerited favor”. However, this Bible word is used to describe two things. The word “grace” is used to describe God’s unmerited favor in the salvation of the lost, and Paul used to describe the ministry of God’s saved people. Grace “is effectively displayed in particular divine activities—supremely in the redemptive death of … Continue reading Grace and Christian Ministry
REAL GOOD PARENTING
In September 2016, The Atlantic ran an article titled, “How Helicopter Parenting Causes Binge Drinking” by Caitlan Flanagan. The article contrasts “good” parents with “get real” parents. Flanagan wrote: Good Parents think that alcohol is dangerous for young people and that riotous drunkenness and its various consequences have nothing to recommend them. These parents enforce … Continue reading REAL GOOD PARENTING
Need Some Rest?
Taking a little time away from work has been demonstrated to make individuals far more productive at their work. The Bible tells us a lot about rest. In fact, we have rest at the very beginning of creation. God worked for 6 days and "rested" on the seventh (Genesis 2:3). This "day of rest" God … Continue reading Need Some Rest?
Give Me the Bible
Give me the Bible– holy message shining, Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way. Precept and promise, law and love combining, ‘Til night shall vanish in eternal day. We love the Bible. We love the Bible because of its author—2 Timothy 3:16. We love the Bible because it connects us with its author—1 … Continue reading Give Me the Bible
My Anxiety
"Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). What an opportunity! Most likely, you know what it is like to suffer from anxiety. We have all worried about circumstances out of our control and circumstances we created ourselves. We may be one of those who struggle with an anxiety … Continue reading My Anxiety
Donnie's Dogmatics 