# About Name: Dwight Gingrich Online Description: Building up the church of Jesus Christ by helping her listen carefully to the Scriptures. URL: https://dwightgingrich.com # Navigation Menu - About: https://dwightgingrich.com/about - Browse Topics: https://dwightgingrich.com/browse-topics - More Resources: https://dwightgingrich.com/more-resources - Support: https://dwightgingrich.com/support - Subscribe: https://dwightgingrich.com/subscribe/ # Blog Posts Each link below is the raw markdown version of a post. The full content of every post is also available in a single file: https://dwightgingrich.com/llms-full.txt - [Wolves Look Like Sheep, Not Wolves](https://dwightgingrich.com/wolves-look-like-sheep-not-wolves.md): Hello? I'm stating the obvious, right? Then why is it so hard for us to accept that false teachers exist, that good-looking people can be evil, and that someone.. - [It's Time for The Passion "Translation" to Die](https://dwightgingrich.com/its-time-for-the-passion-translation-to-die.md): We are blessed with many good English versions of the Bible and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and compare so many different ones. Unfortunately, ther.. - [News! A Poetry Book by my Mom, Elaine Gingrich](https://dwightgingrich.com/news-a-poetry-book-by-my-mom-elaine-gingrich.md): Readers who have been with me since I started blogging in 2014 will remember that, once upon a time, a regular feature of this blog was poetry written by my mot.. - [A Year of Firsts: 2025 Remembered](https://dwightgingrich.com/a-year-of-firsts-2025-remembered.md): 2025 was a year full of significant events for me and my family, many of them firsts for us. It was a year of much doing. In fact, sometimes it feels like lif.. - [Churchfunding: A Report of Our Day of Thanksgiving](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-report-day-of-thanksgiving.md): Yesterday was such a special day. From 9am to 9pm we opened our doors and invited people to help us celebrate "the house that God bought." Our goal for the day .. - [Church Leadership: Shepherds, Sheep, and the Good Shepherd](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-leadership-shepherds-sheep-and-the-good-shepherd.md): I gave the sermon (or "teaching," as we sometimes call it) at our church a couple Sundays ago. The sermon was part of a series on relationships, and I volunteer.. - [April 12 House Celebration and Giving Opportunity](https://dwightgingrich.com/april-12-house-celebration-and-giving-opportunity.md): Hi friends! As I mentioned in my New Year's post, we are planning to have a celebration on April 12, 2025 to give thanks for God's provision of our house and fo.. - [Churchfunding: Time to Celebrate!](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-time-to-celebrate.md): Dear friends, it is with much gratitude that I begin writing this post. By this March, God willing, our house will be fully paid for. It's time to celebrate! (.. - [Rachel Weeping for Her Children: Death and Light in Bethlehem [Book Review]](https://dwightgingrich.com/rachel-weeping-children-death-light-bethlehem.md): The book presents snapshots from the childhood and ministry of Bishara Awad, a remarkable Palestinian Christian who founded Bethlehem Bible College (BBC). It wa.. - [As Good as Dead](https://dwightgingrich.com/as-good-as-dead.md): I found the phrase recently while reading through Hebrews 11, but then I noticed it occurs in a second passage as well. In both places it describes Abraham who,.. - [Zeal for Your House Will Consume Me](https://dwightgingrich.com/zeal-for-your-house-will-consume-me.md): In John's Gospel, he recounts a time when Jesus noticed something that was terribly wrong and decided to take action. Jesus discovered that traders and money ch.. - [How Is the Word of God Living and Active?](https://dwightgingrich.com/how-is-the-word-of-god-living-and-active.md): At its most basic level "the word of God," it seems to me, is simply God speaking. It is God speaking as he created the world and in a host of other ways, yes. .. - [Subscribe](https://dwightgingrich.com/subscribe-cm00xbe6p00cb103am0zb3v5u.md) - [Welcome to DGO 2.0!](https://dwightgingrich.com/welcome-to-dgo-20.md): Greetings friends! Ten years ago today (July 30, 2014) something special arrived in the mail: a reader's edition of the Greek New Testament. At that time I knew.. - [Psalms Memory Project](https://dwightgingrich.com/psalms-memory-project.md): A 10-year plan for memorizing all 150 Psalms!​ Psalms Memory Project My wife Zonya heard about how the monks on Lindisfarne island in England during the Midd.. - [Why I Use Bible Commentaries](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-i-use-bible-commentaries.md): In my church tradition (conservative Anabaptist) there is some understandable hesitation about using Bible commentaries. We have witnessed the deadly effects of.. - [Bible Commentaries Advice](https://dwightgingrich.com/bible-commentaries-advice.md): In the summer of 2014, I compiled several lists of recommended commentaries for diligent Bible students. I created these lists partly to provide advice for the .. - [Subscribe](https://dwightgingrich.com/subscribe.md): To get emails about new blog posts, please subscribe to my Substack page: https://substack.com/@dwightgingrich. (This blog remains my primary online home, bu.. - [90 Day New Testament Reading Plan](https://dwightgingrich.com/90-day-new-testament-reading-plan.md): Read the New Testament in 90 days–or four times in one year! 90 Day New Testament Reading Plan My wife Zonya created this plan for her own use. She did a good.. - [A Beginners' Bible Reading Plan](https://dwightgingrich.com/a-beginners-bible-reading-plan.md): Survey the Bible in one year, reading only about 15 verses a day! Here is a new version (2024) of a Bible reading plan that I first created in 2014. Most of the.. - [Alphabetical Index of All Topics](https://dwightgingrich.com/alphabetical-index-of-all-topics.md): Type a topic or Bible reference in the search bar, then scroll down to see results. ​ -1 CHRONICLES 21 -1 CHRONICLES 21:1 -1 CORINTHIANS 1:13 -1 CORINTHIANS 1.. - [Copy of Alphabetical Index of Topics](https://dwightgingrich.com/copy-of-alphabetical-index-of-topics-clwmhhz5p000op9qxy5oakuiz.md): Contents 1 Chronicles – 3 John Acts – Ezekiel Galatians – Hosea Isaiah – Judges Leviticus – Micah Nehemiah – Zechariah A B C .. - [Musical Compositions](https://dwightgingrich.com/musical-compositions.md): I’ve enjoyed composing a little music now and then over the years. Here are a few examples for your listening and performing enjoyment. Usage guidelines: Use .. - [Bible Translations Advice](https://dwightgingrich.com/bible-translations-advice.md): Sometimes people ask me which Bible translations I recommend. Here is my advice, building on the insights of others. Introductory Points A Chart of English Bibl.. - [Browse Topics](https://dwightgingrich.com/browse-topics.md): Anabaptist History Biblical Interpretation ​Church History​ ​Church Leadership​ ​Church Standards​ ​Church Unity​ ​Divorce and Remarriage​ .. - [A Complete List of DGO Blog Posts](https://dwightgingrich.com/complete-list-dgo-blog-posts.md): 2026 2025 2024 2023​ 2022 2021 2020​ ​2019 2018 2017​ ​2016 .. - [More Resources](https://dwightgingrich.com/more-resources.md): ​​Essays​​Bible Reading PlansBible Translations Advice​Bible Commentaries Advice​Sermons and Lectures​Bible Outlines​Musical Compositions (In th.. - [Alphabetical Index of Topics](https://dwightgingrich.com/alphabetical-index-of-topics-clv6hzmyu002gk9693c7cq3qx.md): -1 -2 -A to -D -E to -F -G -H -I -J​ ​-K to -L -M -N to -P.. - [Bible Reading Plans](https://dwightgingrich.com/bible-reading-plans.md): Here are two Bible reading plans for you to use and share: And here is a Bible memory plan:.. - [Bible Outlines](https://dwightgingrich.com/bible-outlines.md): One of the best ways to listen closely to the Bible is to create outlines that trace the flow of thought in lengthy passages or whole books. Here are some outli.. - [Essays](https://dwightgingrich.com/essays.md): Here are essays I've written on theological, exegetical, and historical topics. Your constructive responses are welcome. “In 1905 the Mennonite Church in the .. - [Sermons and Lectures](https://dwightgingrich.com/sermons-and-lectures.md): Here are some sermons and Bible teaching talks I have given. "Worshiping and Imitating Our Servant King" – Sermon at Cellebration Fellowship – March 28, 2.. - [Support](https://dwightgingrich.com/support.md): Thanks for enjoying Dwight Gingrich Online! It's my goal to offer all content here freely, because sometimes those who most need biblical teaching can least aff.. - [About](https://dwightgingrich.com/about.md): Author Bio Website Vision Contact The Lord is risen! And that makes all the difference. Welcome. My name is Dwight Gingrich. I’m married to the lovely Zonya,.. - [Churchfunding: 2023 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2023-year-end-report.md): Hello blog friends. It’s been a while! Slightly over a year, in fact. Here is my annual update about the repayment of our house loans, with a few other items .. - [Churchfunding: 2022 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2022-year-end-report.md): God willing, at our promised repayment rate of $500 per month, we should have all our loans repaid by May, 2025. God was good in 2022! - [Joseph, the Just and Merciful Divorcer](https://dwightgingrich.com/joseph-just-merciful-divorcer.md): God fulfils his promises through just and merciful people like Joseph. He is a model for responding to unfaithfulness in our marriages. - [Did Jesus Introduce a New Standard for Divorce?  (JDR-12)](https://dwightgingrich.com/did-jesus-introduce-new-standard-for-divorce-jdr-12.md): Jesus presented his divorce teaching as something old, not as a new standard. He agreed with Malachi and clarified the law of Moses. - [“From the Beginning It Was Not So”—And Never Has Been (JDR-11)](https://dwightgingrich.com/from-beginning-not-so-never-has-been-jdr-11.md): When Jesus said “from the beginning it was not so,” was he hitting reset, overturning everything the law of Moses had said about divorce? No. - [“Hardness of Heart” and Jesus’ Audience, Then and Now (JDR-10)](https://dwightgingrich.com/hardness-heart-jesus-audience-then-now-jdr-10.md): When Jesus rebuked his listeners for "hardness of heart" he was addressing men who believed they had a right to divorce wives for any cause. - [Why Did “Hardness of Heart” Cause God to Allow Divorce? (JDR-9)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-hardness-heart-cause-god-allow-divorce-jdr-9.md): God gave Israel laws allowing divorce because of their hardness of heart--as a concession to human weakness and protection for abused spouses. - [“Moses Allowed You to Divorce” Suggests a Breakable Bond (JDR-8)](https://dwightgingrich.com/moses-allowed-divorce-suggests-breakable-bond-jdr-8.md): Jesus said "Moses allowed" divorce. The various OT laws mentioning or ruling on divorce assume it ends marriage as truly as death does. - [“Let Not Man Separate” Implies a Breakable Bond (JDR-7)](https://dwightgingrich.com/let-not-man-separate-implies-breakable-bond-jdr-7.md): For at least four reasons, Jesus’ command to "not separate" strongly implies he believed marriage is not an unbreakable bond. - [Genesis 2:24 as God’s Creation Norm for Marriage (JDR-6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/genesis-224-gods-creation-norm-for-marriage-jdr-6.md): Genesis 2:24 presents a creation norm for marriage--both what normally happens (norm as normal) and what should happen (norm as standard). - [“God Has Joined Together” Does Not Imply an Unbreakable Bond (JDR-5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/god-has-joined-together-does-not-imply-unbreakable-bond-jdr-5.md): In this post I argue that “what therefore God has joined together” in Matthew 19:6 does not indicate that marriage is an indissoluble bond. - [“One Flesh” Does Not Imply an Unbreakable Bond (JDR-4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/one-flesh-does-not-imply-unbreakable-bond-jdr-4.md): In this post I argue that Jesus’ statement about a man and a woman becoming “one flesh" does not show he believed marriage is indissoluble. - [“Cleave” Does Not Imply an Unbreakable Bond (JDR-3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/cleave-does-not-imply-unbreakable-bond-jdr-3.md): In this post I argue that Jesus’ quotation about how a man will “cleave” to his wife does not show Jesus believed marriage is indissoluble. - [The “Divorce Evil” and the Response of the Mennonite Church (1880s to 1905)](https://dwightgingrich.com/divorce-evil-response-mennonite-church-1880s-to-1905.md): As Mennonites saw with alarm the "divorce evil" in America, they took an increasingly hardline stance against divorce, culminating in 1905. - [Radical Faithfulness: A Proposal about Marriage Permanence](https://dwightgingrich.com/radical-faithfulness-proposal-marriage-permanence.md): I believe God calls us to radical faithfulness in our marriage relationships—not radical freedom nor radical permanence. - [Hyper-Literalism, Could vs. Should, and a Guiding Question (JDR-2)](https://dwightgingrich.com/hyper-literalism-could-vs-should-guiding-question-jdr-2.md): Hyper-literalism and confusion over "could" versus "should" both cause problems when reading the Bible on divorce. Is marriage indissoluble? - [Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage: Introduction (JDR-1)](https://dwightgingrich.com/jesus-divorce-remarriage-intro-jdr-1.md): My study on divorce in Anabaptist history led me to reexamine the Scriptures myself. This post begins a new series about Jesus on divorce. - [Churchfunding: 2021 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2021-year-end-report.md): 2021 House Loan Report: All remaining lenders should be repaid within about 3-1/2 years—by about July of 2025. - [Why did Mennonites Abandon the Early Anabaptist View of Jesus’ Exception Clause? (Transition from German to English)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-mennonites-abandon-early-anabaptist-view-exception-clause-transition-german-english.md): The transition from German to English may have helped pave the way for a new Mennonite interpretation of Jesus’ exception clause. - [“Worshiping and Imitating Our Servant King” (Sermon)](https://dwightgingrich.com/worshiping-imitating-servant-king.md): Jesus saw himself as both Son of Man (the Messiah-King of Daniel 7) and Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). He invites our worship and imitation. - [Why did Mennonites Abandon the Early Anabaptist View of Jesus’ Exception Clause? (Separatism and Confessional Statements)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-mennonites-abandon-early-anabaptist-view-exception-clause-separatism-confessions.md): A separatist mindset and vague confessions and catechisms prepared Mennonites to reject early Anabaptist approval of remarriage after divorce. - [When did Mennonites Discard the Early Anabaptist Interpretation of Jesus’ Exception Clause about Divorce?](https://dwightgingrich.com/when-did-mennonites-discard-early-anabaptist-interpretation-exception-clause.md): American Mennonites gradually lost the historic Anabaptist understanding of Jesus' exception clause, finally officially rejecting it in 1905. - [Churchfunding: 2020 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2020-year-end-report.md): It's time again to give witness to God's faithfulness in meeting our housing needs. We are deeply grateful for our churchfunding supporters. - [“In the Sight of God”: Divine Perspective from 1 Peter](https://dwightgingrich.com/sight-of-god-divine-perspective-1-peter.md): Three times in this letter Peter specifically describes how things look "in the sight of God" or "in God's sight." Do you see as God sees? - [Why Did Early Anabaptists Believe Jesus Allowed Divorce and Remarriage in Cases of Adultery?](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-anabaptists-believe-jesus-allowed-divorce-remarriage.md): How did early Anabaptists synthesize Jesus' exception clauses with other biblical texts about divorce and remarriage? Here are seven answers. - [Anabaptists Then (1600-1860s): “It Is Clearly to Be Seen”](https://dwightgingrich.com/anabaptists-then-1600-1860s-clearly-seen.md): No extant Anabaptist writings from 1600 to the 1860s deny the historic view that Jesus’ exception clause permits divorce and remarriage in case of adultery. - [Up From the Dust (Poems by Dwight)](https://dwightgingrich.com/up-from-the-dust.md): One dark night this week, a line came to me: "This world will grind me down into the dust." And then another: "But on the third day I will rise again." - [“Concerning Divorce Between Believers and Unbelievers” – An Early Hutterite Document](https://dwightgingrich.com/concerning-divorce-between-believers-unbelievers-hutterite-document.md): This is an previously unpublished translation of Article IV ("Concerning Divorce Between Believers and Unbelievers") of Peter Walpot's "Article Book." - [Anabaptists Then (1500s): An “Unchangeable Plain Word of Christ”](https://dwightgingrich.com/anabaptists-then-1500s-unchangeable-plain-word-christ.md): That adultery is grounds for divorce and remarriage, the early Anabaptists agreed, is part of the "unchangeable plain word of Christ” concerning marriage. - [Anabaptists Now: Taking Exception to Jesus’ Exception Clause](https://dwightgingrich.com/anabaptists-now-taking-exception-clause.md): In this post I share a survey of conservative Anabaptist approaches to Jesus' exception clauses about divorce and remarriage, adding my own reflections. - [Is Marriage Indissoluble? A Look at Two Passages from “Rabbi” Paul](https://dwightgingrich.com/is-marriage-indissoluble-two-passages-rabbi-paul.md): Romans 7:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 are two passages cited most often as proof that marriages are indissoluble. Is this what Paul meant to say? - [What Does “One Flesh” Mean?](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-does-one-flesh-mean.md): What does the Bible mean when it says a husband and wife become "one flesh"? Your answer may shape your conclusions about divorce and remarriage. - [A Song: “Before All Things (Colossians 1:15-20)”](https://dwightgingrich.com/song-before-all-things.md): Here is a new congregational song, a musical arrangment of the "hymn" in Colossians 1:15-20. Jesus, God's Son, is "Before All Things." - [Churchfunding: 2019 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2019-year-end-report.md): A new year means it’s time for another update on our “churchfunding” house loan adventure! How is it working for us by now? In short, we are making month.. - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (Audio and PDFs)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-audio-pdfs.md): I received encouragement to share my blog series on Jesus and homosexuality in more formats, so here are mp3 and YouTube (audio only) recordings, plus PDFs. - [Is Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (6 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-6-of-6.md): Must Christians today agree with the historical Jesus about homosexual activity? Does Jesus still believe the same today? What has the church believed? - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (5 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-5-of-6.md): Did Jesus say some people are born gay? Did he heal a centurion's male lover? And what about Jesus and his "beloved disciple"? - [Don’t You Know?! (ουκ οιδατε;)](https://dwightgingrich.com/dont-you-know.md): Yes, there are times when it's okay to say "I know." According to Paul, it's even okay to say "Don't you know?" from time to time. Here's when he said it. - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (4 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-4-of-5.md): Ancient Jews knew Jesus did address homosexuality--when he taught about adultery, when he mentioned πορνεία, and especially when he warned about ἀσέλγεια. - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (3 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-3-of-5.md): Does "love your neighbor" mean Jesus affirmed "gay love"? How do love and homosexuality fit together in Jesus' ethics? What is love, and who defines it? - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (2 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-2-of-5.md): Jesus never explicitly mentioned homosexuality. What did his silence mean? This post answers by examining ancient Jewish beliefs about homosexuality. - [Was Jesus Okay With Homosexuality? (1 of 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/was-jesus-okay-with-homosexuality-1-of-5.md): This is the introduction to a series on Jesus and homosexuality. This series will place Jesus' silence and teachings on the topic into historical context. - [A Season for Faith](https://dwightgingrich.com/season-for-faith.md): The turning of the seasons is a time of revelation. But what do you see? Mindless physical cycles, or a faithful Father sustaining his creation? - [Every Promise in the Book Is Mine?](https://dwightgingrich.com/every-promise-in-book-is-mine.md): It's a catchy chorus, but is it true? Is every promise in the Bible mine? Yes, and No. But more Yes than you might think, according to Hebrews 13:5-6. - [God “Was Able”? Or “Is Able”?](https://dwightgingrich.com/god-was-able-or-is-able.md): In Romans 4:21 the Greek seems to say "he is able," while most English translations say "he was able." Why the switch from present tense to past tense? - [Churchfunding: 2018 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2018-year-end-report.md): In 2018 we continued repaying churchfunding house loans and serving in our community. Followers of Jesus Church Atlanta, however, is currently "on pause." - [I and my Wife and Paul’s Grammar](https://dwightgingrich.com/i-my-wife-pauls-grammar.md): In Greek: "ἐγὼ καὶ Βαρναβᾶς." In English: "Barnabas and I." That's how the ESV "corrects" Paul's good Greek grammar to make it good English grammar. - [Wanted: Weak Christians (5 of 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/wanted-weak-christians-5-of-5.md): Jesus' weakness in the manger was essential. His weakness on the cross was crucial. Just so, our weakness today is indispensable to God's mighty kingdom. - [Wanted: Weak Christians (4 of 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/wanted-weak-christians-4-of-5.md): “Strong” Christians, be physicians of the soul. If someone’s symptoms are due to weakness, then offer primarily help, not warning or encouragement. - [Wanted: Weak Christians (3 of 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/wanted-weak-christians-3-of-4.md): This is a hinge-point in God's master plan for using “weak” Christians to unify the church: mutual suffering and embarrassment leads to mutual care. - [Wanted: Weak Christians (2 of 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/wanted-weak-christians-2-of-4.md): Who is a weak Christian? Notice the precise imprecision of Paul’s words: They are persons who “seem to be” weaker, those whom “we think” are less honorable. - [Wanted: Weak Christians (1 of 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/wanted-weak-christians-1-of-4.md): This is part 1 of a 4-part series called "Wanted: Weak Christians." When God “composed the body,” he intentionally included members who seem to be weak. - [Hospitable Barbarians and Homeless Hearts](https://dwightgingrich.com/hospitable-barbarians-homeless-hearts.md): We gave him one safe night, a shower, laundry services, a meal and a half, prayer, and an invitation to change his mind. It was all we could do. - [A Heart that Bears Fruit for God (4 of 4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/heart-that-bears-fruit-for-god-4.md): We must pray for deep understanding of kingdom realities—the sort of understanding and faith that grips our hearts, produces profound repentance, opens the door for deep healing, and results in plentiful fruit! - [A Heart that Bears Fruit for God (3 of 4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/heart-that-bears-fruit-for-god-3.md): Jesus quotes from Isaiah 6 to emphasize that Israel's hardness against him is evidence of God's judgment on the nation. He also declares the disciples are blessed, for they can hear! - [A Heart that Bears Fruit for God (2 of 4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/heart-that-bears-fruit-for-god-2.md): The disciples ask Jesus why he speaks in parables. He responds by identifying two kinds of hearers and emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the task of understanding. - [A Heart that Bears Fruit for God (1 of 4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/heart-that-bears-fruit-for-god-1.md): Today I want to talk to you about a heart that bears fruit for God. Our key verse Matthew 13:23. In this verse there is one term Jesus does not explain. What is it? - [Why Did Jesus Command His Disciples to Buy Swords? – Intro Draft](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-jesus-command-disciples-buy-swords-intro-draft.md): I have been working on an essay about Luke 22:36, where Jesus commands his disciples to buy swords. Here is a draft of my essay introduction. What do you think? - [Notes While Reading the Christian Standard Bible (CSB)](https://dwightgingrich.com/notes-while-reading-christian-standard-bible-csb.md): I set a goal this year to read through the Bible in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation. Here are some observations about how it talks about Adam, sex, and cubits. - [How Do We Know Jesus Rose from the Dead?](https://dwightgingrich.com/how-do-we-know-jesus-rose-from-dead.md): How do we know that Jesus rose from the dead? Simply treat the New Testament as ordinary, valid evidence to be considered in your personal court of law. When the Bible receives this fair but ordinary reception, it can be used by the Holy Spirit to lead a person to saving faith in the reality of Jesus' resurrection. - [On Which Day of the Week Did Jesus Die?](https://dwightgingrich.com/which-day-of-week-did-jesus-die.md): On which day of the week did Jesus die? The first thing that must be said is that this is not a question of first or even second importance. It is much more important to know why Jesus died than when. Nevertheless, this question becomes important if it threatens to erode our trust in the Scriptures. - [Who Is Lording Over Whom? (Matthew 20:25)](https://dwightgingrich.com/who-is-lording-over-whom-matthew20-25.md): Who is lording over whom in Matthew 20:25? Is Jesus not only prohibiting individual persons from forcibly ruling over others in his kingdom, but also condemning a hierarchy of such rulers? - [What Does a True Follower of Jesus Look Like?](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-does-true-follower-jesus-look-like.md): How can you identify a real Christian? What are the marks of a genuine Christian? In this post I’ll frame it this way: What does a true follower of Jesus look like? - [A Story in Greek](https://dwightgingrich.com/a-story-in-greek.md): In December I had the opportunity to take a two-week Greek immersion class in Pennsylvania. We had lots of fun, with over 4 hours a day of stories, role playing, and dialogue in New Testament Greek! Here is me reading a story we discussed in class. - [Churchfunding: 2017 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2017-year-end-report.md): Here is a 2017 financial and ministry update about "the house that God bought," with the latest figures on our "churchfunding" house loans. - [The Higher Calling: The Church, Jesus’ Rival Nation, God’s Kingdom (Guest Post from Sattler College)](https://dwightgingrich.com/higher-calling-church-jesus-rival-nation-gods-kingdom-sattler-college.md): This is a guest post from Zack Johnson of Sattler College. I commend his vision for keeping Christ's church central to our vision statements! - [“All Things Work Together for…” What?](https://dwightgingrich.com/all-things-work-together-for-what.md): In Romans 8:28 Paul famously assures us that "all things work together for good." But what is the "good" that will come to those who love God? - [“Red Letter Reductionism” Expanded](https://dwightgingrich.com/red-letter-reductionism-expanded.md): My "Red Letter Reductionism" essay is being considered for publication. I was asked to shorten it. I did--but first I lengthened it, and here's the result. - [Naked and Exposed Before the Living God (Sermon)](https://dwightgingrich.com/naked-exposed-before-living-god-sermon.md): The word of God reveals our hearts, leaving us naked and exposed before God. Secret sin in our hearts and our churches will be exposed. Repent today! - [“Into the World, But Not of the World”](https://dwightgingrich.com/into-world-but-not-of-world.md): "In the world, but not of the world." This slogan is one way we Christians describe our ambivalent position in this world. But it's missing the word "into." - [Should the Church Bear Witness to the State?](https://dwightgingrich.com/should-church-bear-witness-to-state.md): Some people believe that the church and state should be so entirely separate that the church has nothing to say to the state. Paul disagreed, and so do I. - [Easter Graces in Atlanta](https://dwightgingrich.com/easter-graces-in-atlanta.md): Today, Easter Sunday, was a day when grace was heaped onto our plates, impossible to miss, sweet to the taste. Let me recount a few of the sweetest morsels. - [There Are Better Books (Than “The Shack”)](https://dwightgingrich.com/there-are-better-books-than-the-shack.md): This is (yet another) book about The Shack. But it's also a post encouraging us to read other books. What book would you recommend instead of The Shack? - [Sonship and Suffering–Slides from My Sermon](https://dwightgingrich.com/sonship-suffering-slides-from-sermon.md): Yesterday I preached a sermon called "Sonship and Suffering" at Followers of Jesus Church of Thomaston, Georgia. Here is my slide presentation. - [“Let Him” Or “If He”? Translating Divorce in Deuteronomy](https://dwightgingrich.com/let-him-if-he-translating-divorce-deuteronomy.md): I learned today that the King James Version has a misleading translation of an important OT passage about divorce--Deuteronomy 24:1-4. - [Churchfunding: 2016 Year-End Report](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2016-year-end-report.md): This is a year-end report on our house loan repayments. In March we owed $66,162.50. We now owe $61,162.50. Here is the story of the $5000 difference. - [A Library Online–Or At Least Onshelves](https://dwightgingrich.com/library-online-at-least-onshelves.md): How grateful I am to finally have my Bible commentaries out of boxes and onto shelves! Here are some favorite shelves in my new library. - [Why Do I Believe the Bible? A Short Answer](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-i-believe-bible-short-answer.md): Today a friend sent a random question: "What would you say are your top 3 reasons for why you believe the Bible?" Here's my one-minute answer. What's yours? - [Poll: Which Is the Best Hymnal for Mennonites?](https://dwightgingrich.com/poll-which-is-best-hymnal-for-mennonites.md): Someone gave our church a generous gift for buying hymnals. We are very thankful! Now we need your help choosing the best hymnal to buy. Time to vote! - [Help Us to Not Be Afraid; Winter Birch [Poems by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/help-us-to-not-be-afraid-winter-birch.md): An autumn/winter poem in the middle of summer? Exactly. That is the question we ask of life right now... "Help us to not be afraid of Your will." - [Like Spring [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/like-spring.md): Georgia vines cover our backyard like love covers a multitude of sins. At least that is the natural order of things---with the vines, as well as with love. - [12 Ways to Provoke Your Children to Anger (Lou Priolo)](https://dwightgingrich.com/12-ways-provoke-children-anger-lou-priolo.md): How might I provoke my children to anger? Last spring I attended a homeschool convention talk by Lou Priolo where he answered this question. - [Spring Leaves in Rain [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/spring-leaves-in-rain.md): The poem grows from the image of "spring leaves in rain." So I'll surround it with photos of life outside our Iowa windows on this rainy spring day. - [God’s Word and the Pastor’s Authority (Hebrews 1:1-4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/gods-word-pastors-authority.md): Pastor, why should anyone listen to your words? The answer is both simple and demanding: your words must proclaim God's word. - [Churchfunding Update 11: We Bought a House!](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-11-we-bought-a-house.md): Thanks to God, and thanks to the kind help of God's people---and that's not mere pious, flowery verbiage---we are now owners of a house in Atlanta, Georgia. - [Thirty-Three Years: A Life [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/thirty-three-years-life-poem-mom.md): The puzzle: Did Jesus come to live or to die for us? "He came to die, but first He came to live... / ...He lives! But first He came to die." - [Churchfunding Update 10: We Might Have a House!](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-10-might-have-house.md): We are under contract to purchase a house in Atlanta. Please pray as we make final decisions and head toward closing. (And contact us if you want to help.) - [Churchfunding Update 9: An Answer to Special Prayer?](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-9-answer-special-prayer.md): On February 16 I gave an "invitation to special prayer" for our Atlanta house hunt. Today I give an update on the results of those prayers--and invite more! - [Christians and Satire: What Does the Bible Say?](https://dwightgingrich.com/christians-satire-what-does-bible-say.md): Is satire a suitable genre for Christian writers? Is satire found in the Bible? Yes, it most definitely is, and biblical examples can guide our words today. - [The RAT: A New Bible Translation for Anabaptists](https://dwightgingrich.com/rat-rural-anabaptist-bible-translation.md): Anabaptists have not yet come to a consensus on the thorny problem of Bible translations. Now there is a new option: the Rural Anabaptist Translation (RAT). - [Did Satan Give Super Tuesday to Trump and Clinton? (Luke 4:6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/did-satan-give-super-tuesday-trump-clinton.md): As I write this post, Trump and Clinton are racking up victories in the race to the White House. Who gets the credit? Satan? Or God? - [What Jesus Wished He Could Say before He Died (John 16:12)](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-jesus-wished-could-say-before-died.md): Jesus didn't say everything he wanted to say before he died. The red letters of Scripture are not enough. Jesus' Spirit has more to say. - [Why Should You Care about Cities? (3/3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-care-about-cities-3.md): Why should you care about cities? Here is a third reason: You need the city! For example, the cultural diversity of the city can help you grow. - [Why Should You Care about Cities? (2/3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-care-about-cities-2.md): Why should you care about cities? Here is a second reason: The city needs you! For example, consider urban immigrants. - [Why Should You Care about Cities? (1/3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-care-about-cities-1.md): Why should you care about cities? Here is a first reason: God does! "Since God loves people much more than plants, he loves the city more than the country." - [Churchfunding Update 8: An Invitation to Special Prayer](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-8-invitation-special-prayer.md): We invite friends near and far to join us in special prayer over the next week, asking God to lead us to a house in Atlanta. - [God Bless This Ark; As Arrows from the Hand [Poems by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/god-bless-ark-arrows-from-hand.md): Today is Family Day in several Canadian provinces, including my home province of Ontario. On this day I’m sharing two poems from Mom, both expressions of a mo.. - [The Church of Christ — Ferguson (4): Salvation and Church Membership](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-of-christ-ferguson-4-salvation-church-membership.md): What is church membership? "Soteriology determines ecclesiology... To be saved is to be in Christ, and to be a Christian is to be a member of the church." - [A Commentary on 1 and 2 Chronicles — Merrill (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/commentary-1-2-chronicles-merrill-review.md): Merrill has written a solid commentary on Chronicles, full of historical and theological insights. Poor editing reduces it to 4 out of 5 stars. - [In Which I Am Surprised to Agree With John Nelson Darby](https://dwightgingrich.com/surprised-to-agree-with-darby.md): Darby's ecclesiology shaped his eschatology. Yet, while I disagree with much of his eschatology, I discovered I agree with some of his ecclesiology. - [Do Non-Christian Jews and Christians Worship the Same God?](https://dwightgingrich.com/do-non-christian-jews-and-christians-worship-same-god.md): We are used to speaking of "Judeo-Christian values." But would Jesus say that non-Christian Jews and Christians worship the same God? - [Partly Free [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/partly-free.md): How I would miss the glimpses of His face / Were this kept from me, / Though I suspect, in any time and place, / I would feel partly penned in, partly free. - [The Church of Christ — Ferguson (3): What Is the Church?](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-of-christ-ferguson-3-what-is-church.md): What is the church? Ekklēsia means "assembly," referring to what what done and not where it was done--the act of assembly, not separation from others. - [Peacemaking: The Quiet in the Land Speak Up](https://dwightgingrich.com/peacemaking-quiet-in-land-speak-up.md): Recent events have reminded me that peacemaking involves more than just being "the quiet in the land." It also involves speaking up. - [“How Do You Know Me?” — Words and Self-Identity](https://dwightgingrich.com/how-do-you-know-me-words-self-identity.md): We are not competent to weigh our own hearts. But One is. He will weight both our hearts and our words. In him we rest, and for his sake we speak. - [The Picture Smart Bible and Other Bible Resources for 2016](https://dwightgingrich.com/picture-smart-bible-other-bible-resources-2016.md): Here are some Bible reading resources for 2016, including the Beginners' Bible Reading Plan and one we plan to use as a family: The Picture Smart Bible. - [Arminians, Calvinists, and Two Theological Terms Worth Chucking](https://dwightgingrich.com/arminians-calvinists-two-theological-terms-worth-chucking.md): There are real theological differences, and there are ways we just talk past each other. Arminians, Calvinists--here are two of my pet peeves about you. - [Between Comings (A Poem for Christmas)](https://dwightgingrich.com/between-comings-poem-for-christmas.md): In Micah's account, the Christ was promised to a people facing great distress. And those in distress today still await Christ's coming. - [Chronological Bibles — A Buying Guide](https://dwightgingrich.com/chronological-bibles-buying-guide.md): Here is my advice for choosing a chronological Bible. What is a chronological Bible? How do you choose one? What are some of the best ones available? - [The Church of Christ — Ferguson (2): Covenant, Kingdom, Christ](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-of-christ-ferguson-2-covenant-kingdom-christ.md): Christmas is a very Old Testament sort of thing, and so is the church. When you read the Christmas story in Luke’s Gospel, the theological climaxes are found .. - [The Church of Christ — Ferguson (1): Introduction](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-of-christ-ferguson-1-introduction.md): I've started reading a book that's been calling my name for several years: The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today, by Everett Ferguson. - [Downsview Station Jazz Rap [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/downsview-station-jazz-rap.md): Downsview Station Jazz Rap: "We met in Downsview station / When you visited our nation / From New York City on the overnight bus." - [Study Resources for John](https://dwightgingrich.com/study-resources-for-john.md): Here are some study resources for the Gospel according to John: an outline, commentaries, a theology of John's writings, and more. - [A Traitor Comes to the Table [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/a-traitor-comes-to-the-table.md): A Traitor Comes to the Table. It is my own betrayal of Christ that I acknowledge, and my own gratitude for His forgiving sacrifice that I celebrate. - [NIV Zondervan Study Bible (Review and Comparison with ESV Study Bible)](https://dwightgingrich.com/niv-zondervan-study-bible-review-comparison-esv-study-bible.md): The NIV Zondervan Study Bible is solidly evangelical and among the very best in its class. I am very happy to recommend it for your judicious use. - [Is “Love One Another” A New Commandment for You?](https://dwightgingrich.com/is-love-one-another-new-commandment-for-you.md): the command to love my brother a new commandment for me? Or is it just an old, powerless, forgettable and forgotten one? Has the Light changed how I love? - [“The Great Missing Link in Much of Anabaptist Missions” — David Robertson](https://dwightgingrich.com/great-missing-link-in-anabaptist-missions-david-robertson.md): "The great missing link in much of Anabaptist missions today is this purposeful preparation, mobilization, and support of laborers." -- David Robertson - [Churchfunding Update 7: Funds Ready, Waiting on House ($69,635)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-7-funds-ready-waiting-on-house-69635.md): Here's an update on our churchfunding experiment. We've now received over $50,000 of your loans and gifts, and are within about $10,000 of our pledge goal. - [40 Questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper — Hammett (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/40-questions-baptism-and-lords-supper-hammett-review.md): Christians don't agree about baptism or the Lord's Supper. Hammett's book might not solve this, but it is an irenic guide for 38 questions that divide us. - [Churchfunding Update 6: Time to Send Your Pledges–Here’s How ($65,895)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-6-send-pledges-heres-how-65895.md): Here is how to send us the money you have pledged in support of our churchfunding project for buying a house in Atlanta. Pledges now total $65,894.55. - [Churchfunding Update 5: Almost Ready for Your Pledges!](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-5-almost-ready-for-pledges-60995.md): This is an update on our churchfunding effort for buying a house in Atlanta. Thanks to a recent surge in pledges, the pledge total is now $60,994.55. - [Churchfunding Update 4: In the School of Faith ($44,240)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-4-school-of-faith-44240.md): Here's another update on our churchfunding project, raising microloans to buy a house in Atlanta. Our pledge total is currently $44,240! - [Happy Birthday, DGO!](https://dwightgingrich.com/happy-birthday-dgo.md): One year ago yesterday I launched DGO to share the biblical and ecclesiological concerns stirring in my 40-year-young heart. Here is a one-year review. - [Only God’s World [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/only-gods-world.md): Some months ago a friend asked if I would write about why I am interested in theology. There are a lot of answers to that question. The most important answer is.. - [Churchfunding Update 3: Halfway to Making an Offer ($30,415)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-3-halfway-to-offer-30415.md): Here is an update on our churchfunding project for buying a house in Atlanta. We've now reached $30,414.55 in pledges--with more coming! - [Churchfunding Update 2: Our New Accountant ($26,965)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-2-new-accountant-26965.md): Here's an update about our project of churchfunding a house in Atlanta. We now have about $27,000 in pledged microloans and gifts! - [Churchfunding Update 1: Info for Canadians and More ($20,625)](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-1-canadians-20625.md): I'll be posting updates here about our experiment in churchfunding microloans for buying a house in Atlanta. We now have about $20,000 in pledges! - [Churchfunding a House in Atlanta: Official Launch](https://dwightgingrich.com/churchfunding-house-in-atlanta-official-launch.md): Do you want to help our family buy a house in Atlanta? We've decided to try an experiment in "churchfunding," using microloans from the church of Christ. - [In Which a Strange Plan Is Hatched on Facebook (News Bulletin)](https://dwightgingrich.com/strange-plan-hatched-on-facebook.md): Maybe God can be honored by an idea hatched on Facebook, and maybe 21st century technology can help us imitate the mutual care of the early church. - [Commentary Sale — New American Commentary Series on Kindle](https://dwightgingrich.com/sale-new-american-commentary-kindle.md): Today the New American Commentary series is on sale on Kindle, with most volumes for only $2.99 each! - [Going Public: Why Baptism Is Required for Church Membership — Jamieson (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/going-public-why-baptism-is-required-for-church-membership-jamieson-review.md): The subtitle of this book is "Why Baptism Is Required for Church Membership." I agree, but not with much of Jamieson's "local church membership" lens. - [Jesus in the Room [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/jesus-in-the-room.md): Just for a moment I was at her side experiencing the physical nearness of Jesus; the power of His words... the magnetism of His readiness to... forgive. - [The Arts, Biblical Theology, and Proof I’m Not a Complete Philistine](https://dwightgingrich.com/arts-biblical-theology-and-proof-im-not-philistine.md): We must discuss the arts within a larger biblical theological framework. Artistic delight now is, for soldiers, a reminder of Eden and a foretaste of Glory. - [The Arts and the Absence of Jesus](https://dwightgingrich.com/arts-and-absence-of-jesus.md): Mary's anointing of Jesus was a non-repeatable act. No artist today has Jesus in the flesh before him. The arts should point to the cross and Jesus' return. - [A Is for Atlanta](https://dwightgingrich.com/a-is-for-atlanta.md): God willing, our family will soon be moving to Atlanta, Georgia. Continue reading for a rambling post full of theological and personal reflection! - [Lot the Big-Time Mennonite Farmer](https://dwightgingrich.com/lot-big-time-mennonite-farmer.md): We know the story well. Lot's big mistake was that he was enticed by the sensual excitement of the big city. This is what finally ruined his family. Right? - [Study Resources for Kings and Chronicles](https://dwightgingrich.com/study-resources-for-kings-chronicles.md): Those of us who are using the Christian Light Publications Sunday School booklets will be studying excerpts from the OT books of Kings and Chronicles during Sep.. - [Fresh Milling [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/fresh-milling.md): Fresh Milling: Call us each when we are worn and dented, / For time alone with You... / Stamp upon our coin... / The express image of Your glorious face. - [Articles of Church Membership](https://dwightgingrich.com/articles-of-church-membership.md): Sometimes it is way we use little things like articles (“a” or “the”) that most powerfully shape and reveal our deepest assumptions and priorities. - [A Fellowship of Differents — McKnight (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/fellowship-of-differents-mcknight-review.md): "A Fellowship of Differents" is NT scholar Scot McKnight's contribution to the topic of church diversity and unity. It is good, but not great. - [Remember the Resurrection, to Keep it Central](https://dwightgingrich.com/remember-resurrection-keep-central.md): Thursday is an excellent day to remember Christ’s resurrection! “The Resurrection changed everything… “If there is a power great enough to bring someone.. - [Judgment and Meaning: You’ll Get Your Day in Court](https://dwightgingrich.com/judgment-meaning-your-day-in-court.md): Some days, when our faith is small, we need reminders of the basics: Judgment is coming. The wicked will be punished. Those who seek God will be rewarded. - [125 Years of Seven Ordinances — Rough Draft](https://dwightgingrich.com/125-years-7-ordinances-rough-draft.md): In this essay I sketch the origin of our Mennonite list of seven ordinances, compare our understandings with the Bible, and propose some responses. - [Infinitude [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/infinitude.md): Here is infinitude: The longer we gaze at the matchless Creator, / The greater the vistas awaiting our view... / To know Him---eternity will not suffice. - [In the Presence of Older Theologians](https://dwightgingrich.com/in-presence-of-older-theologians.md): I had the pleasure this week of sitting for hours on end discussing theology with men older and wiser than me. Young theologians need such opportunities. - [The Lord’s Prayer and the Center of the Universe](https://dwightgingrich.com/lords-prayer-center-of-universe.md): The Lord's Prayer is a reminder to me that God's name must be hallowed, not mine. His kingdom must come, not mine. His will must be done, not mine. - [Melchizedek, Carson, and the Tar Baby](https://dwightgingrich.com/melchizedek-carson-tar-baby.md): It's understandable if folks get hung up in the briars with Mr. Melchizedek. He's about as sticky as Brer Fox's Tar Baby. Here's Carson to the rescue! - [Prayers for Conservative Anabaptist Churches](https://dwightgingrich.com/prayers-for-conservative-anabaptist-churches.md): Several discussions lately have reminded me of needs within our conservative Anabaptist churches. I'll list them here as a series of short prayers. - [New Bible Reading Plan for a Mid-Year Boost](https://dwightgingrich.com/new-bible-reading-plan.md): Zonya reminded me today that now---half way through the year---is a good time to share the Bible reading plan she created. Read the Bible in 90 days! - [Defending Substitution: An Essay on Atonement in Paul — Gathercole (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/defending-substitution-gathercole-review.md): Substitution: "The default... would be ‘he died for his sins’ or ‘we died for our sins.’ The miracle of the gospel, however is that he died for our sins." - [By Every Word [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/by-every-word.md): By every word your Heavenly Father spoke— By every word—your soul is made alive, And by each word alone shall it survive. - [Tradition in the NT (2): Good Examples](https://dwightgingrich.com/tradition-in-nt-2-good-examples.md): Ultimately, authentic NT tradition involves imitating Christ by means of imitating his apostles and their imitators. Become a disciple who makes disciples! - [Tradition in the NT (1): Bad Examples](https://dwightgingrich.com/tradition-in-nt-1-bad-examples.md): Conservative Anabaptists don't always listen to Scripture well when they think about tradition. "Tradition" is usually used in a negative sense in the NT. - [Study Resources for Hebrews](https://dwightgingrich.com/study-resources-for-hebrews.md): Here are some resources for teaching and preaching from Hebrews. - [Trained by Grace, Made Holy by the Gospel](https://dwightgingrich.com/trained-by-grace-made-holy-by-gospel.md): Meditate deeply on God's grace to you--past, present, and future--and you are sure to grow in holiness. Meditating on rules comes with no such guarantees. - [Clarifications about Removing Church Traditions](https://dwightgingrich.com/clarifications-about-removing-church-traditions.md): Should we be drawing parallels between Anabaptist and Jewish traditions? Is it true that removing church rules won't draw anyone closer to Christ? - [Thinking Intentionally about Tradition and Change](https://dwightgingrich.com/thinking-intentionally-about-tradition-change.md): My main point in this post is captured in these words from John Coblentz: "I wish we could be intentional about change and not just about preservation." - [Jasmine, Our Blossom [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/jasmine-our-blossom.md): In 2011 a precious baby girl was born. Terrifying blood sugar crashes over the next months led to a frightening diagnosis: Jasmine had hypopituitarism. - [“Christian Atheists” – Guest Post by Frank Reed](https://dwightgingrich.com/christian-atheists-frank-reed.md): We have come so far from our Biblical heritage that we now have adopted our own version of culture as god... And when you challenge god you are an atheist. - [“The Holy Scriptures Must Be Our Ruling Standard”](https://dwightgingrich.com/holy-scriptures-must-be-our-ruling-standard.md): "The Holy Scriptures must be our ruling standard... It is a dangerous venture to step into the judgment of God and bind that which is not bound in heaven." - [Contentment: “Whose God Is Their Belly”](https://dwightgingrich.com/contentment-whose-god-is-their-belly.md): If you want real contentment, don't focus on renouncing your desires. Get a real God. Rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ. - [Is a “Radical Lifestyle” a Hurdle for Seekers?](https://dwightgingrich.com/is-radical-lifestyle-hurdle-for-seekers.md): I... do not find the legitimate expressions of... radical Christianity, to be hurdles or barriers. It’s the ones that are Mennonite custom and traditions. - [Unfinished Thoughts for Your Improvement](https://dwightgingrich.com/unfinished-thoughts-for-your-improvement.md): Franz Schubert wrote a beautiful piece of music called the Unfinished Symphony. In the same spirit, I've decided to share some unfinished thoughts. - [The Schleitheim Confession: Who May Share the Lord’s Supper?](https://dwightgingrich.com/schleitheim-confession-who-may-share-lords-supper.md): The Schleithheim Confession emphasizes holiness and unity. Walking in darkness and being disunited from Christ's one body both bar from the Lord's Supper. - [There Is Hope of a Tree [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/there-is-hope-of-a-tree.md): Just as the disciples could not imagine any hopeful future after Jesus' burial, let alone the birth of the church, so we need the eyes of faith today. - [When the Church Was a Family — Hellerman (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/when-church-was-family-hellerman-review.md): "The phrase 'personal relationship with God' is found nowhere in the Bible. According to the New Testament, a person is saved to community"--into a family. - [The New Testament Church: The Challenge of Developing Ecclesiologies – Harrison/Dvorak (Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/the-new-testament-church-harrison-dvorak.md): Are you hungry to cut through centuries of traditions and habits and investigate what the NT actually says about the church? Then I recommend this book. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (7): Conclusions and Questions](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-7-conclusions-questions.md): How should we live today, as children of the reformers? Should we celebrate the Reformation, seek to undo its damage, or pretend that it never happened? - [Life Thirst: L’Chaim [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/life-thirst-lchaim.md): Spring is almost here, bursting with new life and old longings, and I have a poem to match the season. Are you thirsty? Then read on... - [What I Learned at AIC 2015 about How To Use the Bible](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-i-learned-at-aic-2015-about-how-to-use-the-bible.md): The 2015 Anabaptist Identity Conference lived up to its reputation by gathering a provocative diversity of speakers and listeners. How did the Bible fare? - [Reading the Psalms as Christians](https://dwightgingrich.com/reading-the-psalms-as-christians.md): Reading the Psalms "backward," starting with Christ, we can see what things truly meant all along at the deepest level. We can sing the Psalms as our own. - [“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem!”](https://dwightgingrich.com/pray-for-the-peace-of-jerusalem.md): "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!" (Ps. 122:6). How can we read this verse in a way that honors both its original meaning and Christ? - [The Love of Christ Controls Us](https://dwightgingrich.com/the-love-of-christ-controls-us.md): My post about Sabbath went viral. I am excited over your excitement about our freedom in Christ! Yet, as I reflected, I became aware of a subtle danger. - [NIV Proclamation Bible (Book Review)](https://dwightgingrich.com/niv-proclamation-bible-book-review.md): The NIV Proclamation Bible is useful for what it is: An attractive, hardcover NIV Bible with some basic theological and application help for Bible teachers. - [Anabaptists, Flat Bibles, and the Sabbath](https://dwightgingrich.com/anabaptists-flat-bibles-and-sabbath.md): We tend to assume that, just as the Sabbath was the day of rest for OT saints, so the Lord's Day is our day of rest. But this is not taught in Scripture. - [Study Resources for Matthew](https://dwightgingrich.com/study-resources-for-matthew.md): If you use the Christian Light Publications books for Sunday School, you will be studying Matthew for March and April. Here are a few suggested resources. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (6): William Tyndale](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-6-william-tyndale.md): The idea of Tyndale having an ecclesiology is new for me. Tyndale is famous for being the father of the English Bible, not for having founded any church. - [Professor Janzen Reads Hopkins’ Sonnets [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/professor-janzen-reads-hopkins-sonnets.md): This month's poem is the most technically challenging of any of Mom's poems that I've shared so far. Yet this sonnet also comes with a personal story. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (5): Menno Simons](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-5-menno-simons.md): Menno Simons would have been dumbfounded: today there are about 1.7 million Mennonites. So what did Menno Simons believe about the Church? - [

More on Calvin: Marks of the Church and Fighting Nicely

](https://dwightgingrich.com/more-on-calvin-marks-of-church-fighting-nicely.md): That's "more on Calvin," not "moron Calvin"! I want to talk more about that in a moment, but first I want to talk about marks of the true Church. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (4): John Calvin](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-4-john-calvin.md): John Calvin is not a name that most Anabaptists like. But if Jacob Arminius is correct, we will benefit greatly from studying Calvin's ecclesiology. - [When Will the Church Be Pure?](https://dwightgingrich.com/when-will-the-church-be-pure.md): Sometimes godly wisdom involves not only identifying correct goals, but also understanding what God has affirmed about when those goals will be fulfilled. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (3): Huldrych Zwingli](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-3-huldrych-zwingli.md): Zwingli is not as famous as his German peer (Luther) or his French successor (Calvin), but his influence on Anabaptist ecclesiology is at least as direct. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (2): Martin Luther](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-2-martin-luther.md): Luther's ecclesiology flowed from a deeper concern: the nature of the gospel itself. Here are some quotes from Timothy George about Luther's ecclesiology. - [Ecclesiology of the Reformers (1): Late Middle Ages](https://dwightgingrich.com/ecclesiology-of-reformers-1-late-middle-ages.md): Here are some excerpts from Timothy George about the church of the late Middle Ages, the church against which the Reformers hammered out their ecclesiology. - [Watching You Watch the Birds [Poem by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/watching-you-watch-the-birds.md): Who watched when rubies first took wing? / Who gazed attentive, open-mouthed, / As you do at flash of feather, / Swoop and swing... - [Kissing in the First Century: Excerpt from Craig Keener](https://dwightgingrich.com/kissing-in-first-century-craig-keener.md): Conservative Anabaptists have retained kissing as a religious practice. But we often have little understanding of kissing in the first century. - [NIV Turns 50: An Interview with Douglas J. Moo](https://dwightgingrich.com/niv-turns-50-interview-douglas-moo.md): Bible interpreters are wise to become familiar with the best Bible translations. This interview with Moo gives helpful insights into the NIV translation. - [Final Surprises about 2014’s Most Popular Verses (Part 3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/final-surprises-2014s-popular-verses-3.md): This is the final post about 10 Bible verses that were most popular in 2014. Even the most familiar verses contain surprises worth pondering! - [10 Surprises about 2014’s Most Popular Bible Verses (Part 2)](https://dwightgingrich.com/10-surprises-2014s-popular-bible-verses-2.md): Finally... let me share more surprises about 10 of 2014's most popular Bible verses. I'll summarize the first three surprises and continue. - [10 Surprises about 2014’s Most Popular Bible Verses](https://dwightgingrich.com/10-surprises-2014s-popular-bible-verses.md): YouVersion and Bible Gateway just released data on the most popular verses for 2014. Here are some surprises about the world's most popular Bible verses. - [5 Ways to Understand the Bible Better in 2015](https://dwightgingrich.com/5-ways-understand-bible-better-2015.md): I just finished reading Revelation, and I don't understand it all very well. That's hardly a news flash. I, like you, long to understand the Bible better. - [At Christmastime; Christmas Comes Again [Poems by Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/at-christmastime-christmas-comes-again.md): It's time for more of Mom's poems. This month I'm sharing two of her Christmas poems. Enjoy! - [Does the Resurrection Matter? (Albert Mast’s Memorial Service)](https://dwightgingrich.com/does-the-resurrection-matter-albert-mast-memorial-service.md): This week, at the memorial service of my father-in-law, I had a wonderful chance to speak of life in Christ--resurrection already and resurrection not yet! - [A “Far Better” Morning for Albert](https://dwightgingrich.com/far-better-morning-for-albert.md): "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Phil. 1:23). My father-in-law passed away peacefully this morning. - [What Is the Christian’s True Hope in Death?](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-is-the-christians-true-hope-in-death.md): My father-in-law is nearing death. While we wait, we think. What will happen to him when he dies? What will he experience? What should he hope to experience? - [ESV Audio Bible on Sale](https://dwightgingrich.com/esv-audio-bible-sale.md): Our Caribbean trip brought opportunities to ponder churches and money in more contexts. // My favorite audio Bible is on sale at ChristianAudio.com. - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 6)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-6.md): Now that this series is nearly over, perhaps I should discuss my title. Did you notice that it's a little clunky? "Giving To and Through the Church." - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 5)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-5.md): You may be surprised I’ve barely mentioned tithing in this series on giving. So, here I go! The first thing to say is that the NT doesn’t say much about it. - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 4)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-4.md): Isn’t pastoral support a controversial issue? Yes, it is. But this post addresses a giving topic that, at least for some people, is even more controversial. - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 3)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-3.md): In today’s post I want to examine a third NT reason for giving to the church: to support gospel proclaimers. - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 2)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-2.md): If you listed two primary reasons for giving to your church, what would you say? Let's consider two reasons found early and often in the New Testament. - [Giving To and Through the Church (Part 1)](https://dwightgingrich.com/giving-to-through-church-1.md): This month will flood you with opportunities to give. But what about giving to your church? What does the New Testament say about giving to and through the church? - [Two Trees [Poem By Mom]](https://dwightgingrich.com/two-trees.md): I'm pleased to begin a new blog series in which I share one poem or article from my mother, Elaine Gingrich, each month. Mom is a life-long amateur wordsmith. - [Which Came First–Original Sin or Infant Baptism?](https://dwightgingrich.com/which-came-first-original-sin-infant-baptism.md): I read something this morning that got me thinking again about the question of original sin. (See here and here for my previous thoughts.) The “question of or.. - [Kindle Sale: NIV Application Commentaries](https://dwightgingrich.com/kindle-sale-nivac.md): The NIV Application Commentary series is on sale on Kindle today! ($4.27-$4.99 each.) Note: Several volumes were release on Kindle for the first time only about.. - [Should Every Church Gathering Look Like 1 Corinthians 14?](https://dwightgingrich.com/should-every-church-gathering-look-like-1corinthians14.md): Was 1 Corinthians 14 intended to be a manual that describes what all churches must do every time they gather? Should this be what all our Lord's Day gatherings look like? - [On Translation Choices and Pastoral Concerns](https://dwightgingrich.com/translation-choices-pastoral-concerns.md): This morning I noticed an example of the NIV being very politically correct–or, to be kinder, very pastorally aware: The wife does not have authority over her.. - [Who Judged After Samson? Eli or Samuel?](https://dwightgingrich.com/who-judged-after-samson-eli-samuel.md): A friend just asked a question about the upcoming Sunday School lesson (Christian Light Publications). The topic is rather technical and not obviously important.. - [Should You Keep Your Convictions Secret? (Romans 14:22)](https://dwightgingrich.com/keep-convictions-secret-romans-14-22.md): While reading through Romans in the NIV this morning I came across chapter 14, verse 22: So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself... - [What to Expect Next on Dwight Gingrich Online](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-to-expect-next-on-dgo.md): Reflection and plans for DGO after 2 weeks online. Your input is most welcome! - [“In Adam’s Fall We…?” Inclusion or Imperialism in Romans 5](https://dwightgingrich.com/in-adams-sin-we-imperialism-inclusion-romans-5.md): I’m reading through Romans right now, on target for finishing my through-the-NIV-Bible-in-a-year goal. This morning I arrived again at that head-scratching pa.. - [Can a Hermit Be Humble?](https://dwightgingrich.com/can-hermit-humble.md): Dwight’s rules about Christian virtues: Paul’s first words as he summarizes his ministry to the Ephesian elders: “You know how I lived the whole time I wa.. - [If You’re Not a Berean, Who Might You Be?](https://dwightgingrich.com/if-youre-not-berean-who-might-you-be.md): Be a Berean! This is a common encouragement among Bible-loving Christians. But what does this mean? Why is it important to be a Berean? And what is the alternat.. - [Launch Day!](https://dwightgingrich.com/launch-day.md): This post announces the launch of Dwight Gingrich Online. - [Social Media according to the Gospel](https://dwightgingrich.com/social-media-according-to-gospel.md): (Old Facebook Post – Expanded) Let’s talk about social media. But first ponder, in context, this 141-character tweet from Jesus: “…When so many thousand.. - ["If anyone does not provide for his relatives"](https://dwightgingrich.com/anyone-not-provide-for-his-relatives.md): (Old Facebook Post) What does the Bible say about who is responsible to provide for the family? Google that question, and the first website listed will give thi.. - [Subscribe](https://dwightgingrich.com/subscribe-clvys9d20002kezi0r7nuhoib.md) - [Resurrection Now! Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places](https://dwightgingrich.com/resurrection-now-seated-with-christ-in-heavenly-places.md): "Heavenly places" is a strange term found often in Ephesians. Contrary to popular opinion, it does not refer to the cozy feeling found in a holy huddle. - [Tools for Reading Old Testament Stories Well](https://dwightgingrich.com/tools-for-reading-old-testament-stories-well.md): Old Testament stories can be confusing. What do they mean? In this post I'll share two tools that can help us read OT stories well. - [Which New Testament Church Practices Are Normative for Today?](https://dwightgingrich.com/which-nt-church-practices-are-normative-for-today.md): How do we know which NT church practices are normative for us? Which must we imitate? Our case studies (Lord's Day, house churches) suggest some guidelines. - [Should You Desire to Be an Elder?](https://dwightgingrich.com/should-you-desire-to-be-an-elder.md): Suppose I say, "The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the hand of my daughter, he desires a noble lady." Am I urging everyone to try to marry her? - [3 Lessons from the Rechabites (Jeremiah 35)](https://dwightgingrich.com/3-lessons-from-rechabites-jeremiah-35.md): This call to obey God's own words is the reason God called Jeremiah's attention to the Rechabites. It should be the main lesson we draw from them today. - [The Big Picture Story Bible – David R. Helm](https://dwightgingrich.com/big-picture-story-bible-helm.md): (Old Facebook Post – Updated) Our oldest daughter’s favorite Christmas gift in 2012 was The Big Picture Story Bible, by David R. Helm. Lots of children’s .. - [On motivating Christians to holy living](https://dwightgingrich.com/motivating-christians-to-holy-living.md): (Old Facebook Post) I once heard three seasoned conservative Anabaptist church leaders (many of you would recognize their names instantly) discuss the challenge.. - [“Men learned in the Greek and Hebrew languages”](https://dwightgingrich.com/men-learned-in-greek-and-hebrew.md): (Old Facebook Post) Did you know that Conrad Grebel and Felix Mantz were “men learned in the German, Latin, Greek, and also Hebrew, languages”? (From the Hu.. - [Handbook on the NT Use of the OT – G.K. Beale](https://dwightgingrich.com/handbook-on-nt-use-of-ot-beale.md): (Old Facebook Post) A lot of rather careless biblical interpretation is happening today. (By God’s grace, thankfully much of the time the truth is still being.. - [According to the Scriptures – C.H. Dodd](https://dwightgingrich.com/according-to-scriptures-dodd.md): (Old Facebook Post) Have you ever wondered which are the most important Old Testament passages? Or at least which ones tell us the most about Christ? There’s .. - [What is “the Rapture”?](https://dwightgingrich.com/rapture.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Here’s some good exegesis from Phillip Long related to the verb “will be raptured [caught up]” found in 1 Thessalonians 4:.. - [“The Expulsive Power of a New Affection”](https://dwightgingrich.com/expulsive-power-new-affection.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Do you long for victory over sin–for yourself, or for those you love? Here is some great reading from an old Scotsman. Read it.. - [Are you being trained by grace?](https://dwightgingrich.com/trained-by-grace.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Are you being trained by grace today? What does that training look like in your situation? How do you discipline yourself to und.. - [Deuteronomy–heart of the Old Testament, hints of the New](https://dwightgingrich.com/deuteronomy-heart-of-old-testament-hints-of-new.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Let me recommend these sermons on Deuteronomy. (Find HDT Deuteronomy 2007, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3, by doing a search f.. - [“What I learned in seminary” — a list for pastors](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-i-learned-in-seminary-list-for-pastors.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Pastors, please feed the sheep! I’ve noticed that sheep who are fed low-nutrition, fast-food leftovers either shrivel up spiri.. - [Decision-making with God in the picture](https://dwightgingrich.com/decision-making-with-god-in-picture.md): (Old Facebook Post) Good words from a good book–Jerry Sittser writing in The Will of God as a Way of Life: “I think decision-making is inherently messy, esp.. - [Music-making and bonding in multicultural churches](https://dwightgingrich.com/music-making-bonding-multicultural-churches.md): (Old Facebook Post) This is fascinating! As someone who has spent significant time pondering and reading about to what extent musical languages are universal, t.. - [“Creating a Reading Culture in Your Church”](https://dwightgingrich.com/creating-reading-culture-in-church.md): (Old Facebook Post) This is great! Mark Dever here explains what he does to create a culture of reading in his church. Can you imagine what would happen if we p.. - [“Getting Excited About Melchizedek”](https://dwightgingrich.com/getting-excited-melchizedek.md): If you want to finally understand that bit about Melchizedek, or what to know the real reason why we today talk about Jesus being our high priest, or just want .. - [“Why become ‘all things to all people’?”](https://dwightgingrich.com/why-become-all-things-to-all-people.md): (Old Facebook Post) I think this is the best sermon I’ve heard on the following passage. Thank you D. A. Carson! “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to.. - [Mennonites, education, and missions](https://dwightgingrich.com/mennonites-education-missions.md): (Old Facebook Post) Words about Mennonites and education from a friend on a cross-cultural mission field: “I think the challenge for me was being discouraged .. - [Story-powered godly living](https://dwightgingrich.com/story-powered-godly-living.md): (Old Facebook Post) What is the best way to teach people how to live godly lives? Michael Lawrence, speaking as a pastor at T4G (Together for the Gospel) 2012, .. - [On pragmatism and biblicism](https://dwightgingrich.com/pragmatism-biblicism.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) I would rather be part of a biblical church that lasts only 10 years than be part of a human institution that lasts for 10 gener.. - [The goal of gospel contextualization](https://dwightgingrich.com/goal-of-gospel-contextualization.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Good questions and reflections here by Thabiti Anyabwile for missiologists and church leaders about the gospel and culture. I es.. - [“For you formed my inward parts”](https://dwightgingrich.com/formed-inward-parts.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Here’s a prompt for a fascinating Bible study from Psalm 139. One oft-overlooked word (“for”) can mean so much: …Darknes.. - [“Eating and drinking unworthily” and Christian poverty](https://dwightgingrich.com/eating-drinking-unworthily-christian-poverty.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Ouch! Craig Blomberg on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34: “Those who should refrain from the bread and the wine lest they profane the eu.. - [“With a rich man in his death” — Holy Saturday thoughts](https://dwightgingrich.com/with-rich-man-in-his-death.md): (Old Facebook Post) Today is the day we remember Christ was in the grave. Have you ever considered that there, too, he was unexpectedly exalted? The NASB brings.. - [“Many” New Testament allusions to Isaiah 53](https://dwightgingrich.com/many-nt-allusions-to-isaiah-53.md): (Old Facebook Post) Isaiah 53 is a rich gospel feast. It is quoted very frequently by the New Testament writers. Following are two of the more subtle references.. - [A Definition of “Baptism”](https://dwightgingrich.com/definition-baptism.md): (Old Facebook Post) How is this for a definition of baptism? “Baptism is our confession of faith in Christ through which we are saved by the grace of God.” .. - [On reading Augustine of Hippo](https://dwightgingrich.com/reading-augustine-hippo.md): (Old Facebook Post) I finished listening to St. Augustine’s City of God today. Forty-five hours of listening to a master rhetorician from the 5th century. One.. - [The frustration and joy of John the Baptist](https://dwightgingrich.com/frustration-joy-of-john-the-baptist.md): (Old Facebook Post) I love John the Baptist’s frustrated/joyful response to those who rejected Jesus: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is g.. - [Fun with church history and chastity](https://dwightgingrich.com/fun-with-church-history-chastity.md): (Old Facebook Post) Church history is fun! Today I learned from St. Augustine what the 3 floors of Noah’s ark might symbolize: 1st floor–chastity (faithfuln.. - [What’s this bit about “sinful nature”?](https://dwightgingrich.com/whats-bit-sinful-nature.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Two questions: A definition: I’m understanding sinful nature to mean: an inner identity that naturally tends toward sin. To s.. - [Head and heart: Worshiping as whole persons](https://dwightgingrich.com/head-heart-worshiping-as-whole-persons.md): (Old Facebook Post) Words from John Piper jumped out at me today as I listened. I think I now more clearly understand something that is deeply wrong with some o.. - [Old Testament holy war and Christian nonresistance](https://dwightgingrich.com/ot-holy-war-christian-nonresistance.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) I learned another reason why I, as a Christian, cannot serve in any military. Here is the teaching of the Old Testament regardin.. - [On the danger of turning norms into absolutes](https://dwightgingrich.com/danger-of-turning-norms-into-absolutes.md): (Old Facebook Post) One danger in biblical interpretation is the temptation to turn pragmatic norms into absolute rules. I’ve been thinking about this in rela.. - [Church cultures and the danger of complacency](https://dwightgingrich.com/church-cultures-danger-of-complacency.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) “The Dangerous Side of Success.” This article by John Johnson is a superb warning for pastors (or other leaders of spiritual.. - [“What grace alone can do” — J.S. Coffman](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-grace-alone-can-do-js-coffman.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) Here’s an interesting quote for historical and theological reflection, written in 1893 by J.S. Coffman (1848-98), the hugely i.. - [Coffman and the origin of 7 ordinances](https://dwightgingrich.com/coffman-origin-7-ordinances.md): (Old Facebook Post) Apparently the traditional 7 Mennonite ordinances go back one step earlier than Daniel Kauffman and his “Doctrines” books, to evangelist.. - [Do you “believe into” Jesus?](https://dwightgingrich.com/believe-into-jesus.md): (Old Facebook Post) Do you really believe in Jesus? Do you “believe into” him? This blog post is a description of true Christian belief (faith), from one of.. - [Seeing the face of God](https://dwightgingrich.com/seeing-face-god.md): (Old Facebook Post) Reflections on Jacob’s encounter’s with God and Esau in Genesis 32-33: Until you experience the shock of actually surviving a solitary .. - [On scanning Mennonite confessions of faith](https://dwightgingrich.com/scanning-mennonite-confessions-faith.md): I’m scanning some Mennonite confessions of faith and booklets of instruction for new Christians, researching where we got the idea of 7 ordinances. It’s pre.. - [“Ran… embraced… kissed”](https://dwightgingrich.com/ranembracedkissed.md): (Old Facebook Post–Revised) Compare Luke 15:20 with Genesis 33:4. The father in the Prodigal Son parable “ran… embraced… kissed” his younger son; in G.. - [Wisdom versus revelation – James 1:5](https://dwightgingrich.com/wisdom-versus-revelation.md): (Old Facebook Post) Wisdom is the God-given ability to make decisions when faced with complex situations. Revelation is a voice from heaven–God speaking his w.. - [Jonah and superficial repentance](https://dwightgingrich.com/jonah-superficial-repentance.md): (Old Facebook Post) Those of you who studied Jonah in Sunday School today may especially be interested in this study which suggests Jonah’s chapter 2 prayer w.. - [On taking God’s name in vain](https://dwightgingrich.com/taking-gods-name-in-vain.md): (Old Facebook Post) “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). “The name is equivalent to the identity of the Deity… We a.. - [“When people add to the Word of God”](https://dwightgingrich.com/people-add-word-god.md): (Old Facebook Post) Dennis McCallum on adding to God’s Word: “How much should we make of Eve’s addition to God’s Word–that even touching the fruit wou.. - [On borrowing pagan musical forms](https://dwightgingrich.com/borrowing-pagan-musical-forms.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) I find hard to believe that heavenly music will be restricted to the styles of 16th to 19th century Europe. The Bible itself dem.. - [“The difference between Christians and the rest of mankind”](https://dwightgingrich.com/differencebetweenchristiansandrestmankind.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) An excerpt from The Epistle to Diognetus, written about the end of the second century: “The difference between Christians and .. - [What do I love most?](https://dwightgingrich.com/what-do-i-love-most.md): (Old Facebook Post) What I love most… trumps what I believe… and determines what I fear and what I confess publicly. “Many even of the authorities believe.. - [A doctrine of “continually renewed minds”?](https://dwightgingrich.com/doctrine-of-continually-renewed-minds.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) How would Anabaptist churches be different if we taught a doctrine of “continually renewed minds” rather than only one of .. - [Rapture? Or a new heaven and a new earth?](https://dwightgingrich.com/rapture-new-heaven-new-earth.md): (Old Facebook Post) Why do we let one passing reference to “the rapture” (mentioned only in 1 Thess. 4:17, in a manner open to alternate interpretations) de.. - [Did Enoch and Elijah die?](https://dwightgingrich.com/enoch-elijah-die.md): (Old Facebook Post – Revised) It’s quiz time: According to the Bible, did Enoch & Elijah die natural deaths? Hint #1: Read Heb 11:5, 13. (Use NASB or some o..