What was it about the “tax collectors and sinners” that caused such angst among the Pharisees, but who were the object of much of Jesus’ ministry? Luke 15 presents an interesting confrontation between the religious leaders and Jesus. Since the beginning of his ministry, Jesus spent the most time with those who were outside …
On Being a Disciple Thoughts on Mark 1 & 2
Jesus used the words “follow me” when calling the apostles. What was it about this calling that was different from other callings? Mark describes Jesus calling five of the twelve apostles in the passages 1:16-20 and 2:13-14. For Andrew, Simon, James, John, and Matthew, the call resulted in an immediate following (1:16-20). The calling of …
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Review: The Potter’s Promise
The Potter's Promise: A Biblical Defense of Traditional Soteriology by Leighton Flowers My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is an outstanding resource for those who want to look into Traditionalist Soteriology. Dr. Flowers dives deep into traditionally Calvinistic passages and demonstrates some of the faulty exegesis and hermeneutical interpretations of Reformed thinkers. Not afraid …
Bob Hazlett – Opposition turned into Opportunity
The life of Thomas Hooker reveals how opposition is really opportunity.
Bob Hazlett – Overcoming Bitterness
Bob visits a very special literary and historical site to talk about bitterness.
Bob Hazlett – How to overcome offense
In his continuing series Motorcycle Mondays...
Living in the culture – reflections on Ephesians 4
What is God’s responsibility for unity and what are the believers’ responsibilities? In the first section of Ephesians 4, Paul makes reference to unity or describes unity. The oneness of the faith in vss. 3 – 5 stresses a theological unity. Vss. 11-14 describe leadership roles that build up the maturity of the body in …
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God’s Justice
I recently had the privilege of preaching at the Vineyard Church of Rock Hill on God's Justice. Many Thanks to the leadership team and Ben Ganson (who had some awesome closing comments) for trusting me in the pulpit! Here is the LINK Here is the Larry Norman song, The Great American Novel, that I quote …
Problem Of Pain or Pleasure?
Luke 19:16-31 (NIV) 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his …
Selling out the Holy Spirit
Acts 8:9-23New International Version (NIV) Simon the Sorcerer 9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called …