Articles that deal with important issues on the Christian life.
#3 On the Application of Matthew 18 to Public Sin
Rev. Brian M. Abshire
When it comes to Matthew 18:15ff, most Christians just cannot seem to find the balance. On the one hand, when it suits their purposes, the principles and procedures of Matthew 18 are largely ignored in the average American church, even Reformed ones. …
Proverbs on Resolving Conflicts
Rev. Brian M. Abshire
Conflicts have been eating at the Christian Church since the time of the Lord Jesus (remember John and James angling for power?). Since none of us have yet been perfected, all of us will sin against God and each other. Therefore, conflicts are inevitable. Ideally, …
A Cheap-skate’s Guide to Economic Dominion
Rev. Brian M. Abshire
Growing up in rural Maine in the 50’s was hard and I guess by modern standards we would be considered poor. Not dirt poor, mind you, we could afford the occasional rock (about the only thing our land would grow). But poor enough …
Rev. Brian M. Abshire
The worst nightmare of my life happened in February, 1973. After six weeks of Air Force basic training I had finally graduated and was awaiting orders. Casual squadron was a great relief after boot camp. No one yelling at you, cursory inspections, and you could actually eat in …
Poverty and folly are closely related in the Proverbs. Proverbs 1:29ff says, “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof, so they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, and be satiated with …
No Comments | Read More »Rev. Brian M. Abshire
There are probably as many expectations of a pastor’s job, as there are members of his congregation. Some people want a sympathetic ear they can bend whenever the vicissitudes of life become too much. Others want a strong authority figure that can speak authoritatively from the pulpit, but not …
Rev. Brian M. Abshire
Every so often, another silly fad hits Christian circles. Years ago, it was an upraised index finger calling for “One Way.” Later it was little fishes (my wife and I have one on our wedding rings!). Mostly these fads are harmless enough, just a bit tacky, and sometimes perhaps …