Every Sunday evening, I shall offer up some interesting links, thoughts (who knows, some of them may even be original) or anecdotes which I’ve found throughout the week.
Unclean: Leviticus and Total Depravity
The Book of Leviticus is a closed book to many Christians. That’s too bad, because without it you’ll never understand the Book of Hebrews, why Christ had to die, or how His death fulfilled the sacrificial system.
In this short article, Steve Lawson explains what “uncleanness” is and why it matters:
The word unclean is used more than one hundred times in Leviticus 11–15. It is an apt description of the condition of the people; they were morally unclean because of their failure to obey God’s commands.
Good Commentary on Luke
Commentaries usually aren’t written for normal Christians. But, some try to connect to average people. Many of these are called “devotional commentaries,” and they’re often shallow and unhelpful.
This one is different. It isn’t a devotional commentary, and normal people can find it helpful.
It dates from 1951. It was written by a scholar in the Dutch Reformed Church, in South Africa, named Norval Geldenhuys. It is thorough, understandable, pastoral, and is easy enough for a normal person to read and be encouraged. Geldenhuys laid it out passage by passage, so it is very easy to follow.
If you want to read the Gospel of Luke passage by passage, and consult Geldenhuys’ commentary as you go along, you’ll be blessed. Because the book is nearly 70 years old, you can buy it for a few pitiful dollars at Amazon.
You won’t be disappointed.
The Value of Biblical Exposition in Evangelism
If you preach the Bible, verse by verse, and just explain what it says, people will repent, believe and become Christians. Yes, it’s true.
Imagine that.
I Don’t Understand Christians Watching “Game of Thrones”
Nor do I. Christians are priests for God. They’re supposed to represent God to the world, and to always keep far away from worldly lusts which are battling against their souls (1 Peter 2:9-11). So, why would a Christian watch a show which is infamous for it’s sex scenes?
The author of this article wrote:
I’m always amazed that a number of people I respect–smart people, serious Christians, good conservative thinkers–are obviously watching (and loving) the series. True, I haven’t seen it. Not an episode. Not a scene. I hardly know anything about the show. I know many people consider it absolutely riveting–full of compelling characters, an engrossing story, and excellent acting, writing, and aesthetics. But isn’t it also full of sex? Like lots and lots of incredibly graphic sex?
Keeping the Faith: Spurgeon and the Downgrade Controversy
Charles Spurgeon was a famous preacher from England, who was active in the last half of the 19th century. Many Christians have heard of him, and perhaps even have some of his books.
This article recounts his last great battle against theological liberalism in the Baptist Union in Britain:
As Christians, we are called to share our faith, but we are also called to keep it. Like the Apostle Paul, every believer should aspire to the epitaph, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
Perhaps no one in Baptist history better kept the faith than the illustrious Charles Spurgeon—especially as seen through the prism of the Downgrade Controversy.
Man Escapes High-Pressure Altar Call Through Ventilation Duct
Every Christian has been there. Sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures.
“Of course I was scared—who wouldn’t be?—but I knew it was my only chance at freedom,” Overton said later of his harrowing attempt at escape.
And, finally, I leave you with this profound observation. . .
The Eccentric Fundamentalist 