Truth Versus Tradition: Were Joseph and Mary Poor? http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... Tradition can be a subtle thing. We grow up believing something about a Biblical doctrine or event. It might never even occur to us to question where some particular belief came from, especially if that belief happens to be regarding some relatively minor point. I think the financial status of Joseph and Mary is a matter like that for many Christians.
It is a commonly held belief that the mother and “stepfather”¯ of our Lord Jesus Christ were poor, but where does this belief come from?
Penn Jillette, Witnessing, and How God Gives The Increase http://brownbible.com/by-jane-harvester/god-g... (by Jane Harvester) Did you know that when you preach the gospel, it is God's job to get the response? Your job is simply to speak. Here's how to raise the dead. (In a very odd way, Penn Jillette, a famous atheist, helps get this point across.)
Genesis, Creation http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (By Rev. Ken Brown) At a wedding reception not long ago, I was seated next to a man I had not previously met. We exchanged the usual small talk. I learned that he was a retired eighth-grade science teacher. The conversation was pleasant enough until he learned that I am a Bible-believing Christian. Then he launched into an all-out assault. 'How can you possibly believe Genesis?' He went on and on about evolution, endeavoring to make a mockery of Gods Word. It takes hundreds of thousands of years for the light from such and such a star to reach the earth. How could God have created the universe only about six thousand years ago? He referred to the Bible as a practical joke.
Trust in the Lord | The Brown Bible http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) We as believers are always to trust absolutely in our wonderful heavenly Father. Any 'Bible-believing' Christian would acknowledge this in a heartbeat. In practice, however, who or what we REALLY trust in can be so subtle that even the most sincere among us might at times be outside of where we want to be.
Truth versus Tradition http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) It isn't that all traditions are wrong; but they should never be held up as equal to or above the authority of the Scriptures. Let's hold only to those traditions that do not contradict God's written Word, and not try to spiritualize traditions that are innocent as long as we do not make a doctrine of them, falsely ascribing spiritual associations with them.
What is the Point of Parables in the Gospels? http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) The parables of the Gospels are interesting from a number of perspectives. Many people have lauded the brilliance of the parables in so clearly and convincingly communicating Jesus' message in a way easily related to by the masses. I have no doubt that Jesus used parables at times to communicate clearly, though the only recorded time he was ever asked about his purpose for using parables, his response was quite different.
Romans on Righteousness (Part Three) http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) If you have accepted Jesus Christ as lord and believed God raised him from the dead, you are righteous and you have peace with God. This is a big deal. So many believers do not understand their relationship with their heavenly Father. They think they are likely on the outs with Him due to some whatever and need to do SOMETHING (though they are usually not sure exactly what) to make peace with God. There is NOTHING any of us can do to make peace with God. For one thing, we already are at peace with Him. For another, none of our works could ever be good enough anyway. It is not what we do to be at peace with God; it is what Jesus Christ did that brings peace.
How Big Is Your God? http://brownbible.com/other-topics/how-big-is... (by Jane Harvester) Are you limiting Gods might by mere circumstances? I invite you to open your mind enough to let the Creator of the Universe help you out of your troubles.
One of my favorite records of deliverance is in the book of Daniel. He was a Godly man who was recognized for his wisdom and placed as one of the main heads of the kingdom he was in. He so distinguished himself that the king sought to put him in charge of the whole of the kingdom. However, his coworkers were not happy at this idea and tried to find fault in him to make charges against him, but were unsuccessful. The plot thickens...
Romans on Righteousness (Part Two) | The Brown Bible http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin? I should say so!! Now THAT would be quite the deal to get in on would it not? Who is it that gets to have this amazing grace?
In Part One, we investigated the first three chapters of Romans and saw the introduction of the truth that righteousness comes by faith (pistis, belief: in this case, the correct belief regarding Jesus Christ) not by the Old Testament law. Chapter four gives Abraham as the precedent for righteousness coming by faith without the law.
Romans on Righteousness (Part Two) | The Brown Bible http://brownbible.com/rev-ken-brown-articles/... (by Ken Brown) Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not reckon sin? I should say so!! Now THAT would be quite the deal to get in on would it not? Who is it that gets to have this amazing grace?
In Part One, we investigated the first three chapters of Romans and saw the introduction of the truth that righteousness comes by faith (pistis, belief: in this case, the correct belief regarding Jesus Christ) not by the Old Testament law. Chapter four gives Abraham as the precedent for righteousness coming by faith without the law.
