Xmas Is Not in the Bible, So It’s Okay To Quarrel about This Word
So I get this e-mail from a friend: X in Xmas represents Christ. The “-mas” part is from the Latin-derived Old English word for “mass,” while the “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός, translated [Ed.: transliterated would be better] as “Christ.” So, a little research reveals historic Christian tradition instead of contributing to delusions of persecution. This was posted by Dr. X…on Facebook. Do you agree with her assessment? So I wrote this...
Quarrels About Words
Some months ago Dane Ortlund posted an excellent meditation on 1 Tim 6:4, …an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people… “Quarrels about words.” That hit me hard, considering that “Usage Determines Meaning” is one of the main themes of this blog. My first thought was guilt: I’m too focused on quarrels about words, and my blog is public proof. But my second thought is that I didn’t...
Barack Obama is God’s Servant for My Good
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Tim 2:1–2). In obedience to God, I thank Him for President Barack Obama, and I pray (and intercede and supplicate!) that he will make decisions that enable Americans to live peaceful, quiet, godly lives. There is no authority except from God, and those that...
The Puritans Weren’t Really That Bad
The Puritans weren't really all that bad—now even Harvard Divinity School professors in the New York Times (all right, on the Op-Ed) are saying so.
Found It!
I have looked fruitlessly for this quotation a number of times, and I finally just stumbled across it: It is not biblical to say that the only virtues God can require of me are the ones that I am good enough to perform. If I am so bad that I can’t delight in what is good, that is no reason God can’t command me to love the good. If I am so corrupt that I can’t enjoy what is infinitely beautiful, that does not make me less guilty for disobeying the command to delight in God (Ps. 37:4). It makes...