Find devotional Resources by Topic: Controversies in the Church Page 5

False Brothers in Jerusalem

Galatians 2:3–5

It is the duty of all believers, not just our pastors and other leaders, to contend for the faith. We must be especially wary of incremental steps to undermine biblical authority and the historic Christian faith. Denominations do not typically ...Read More

Paul’s Former Life

Galatians 1:13–14

Not all of us have had a dramatic conversion experience like Paul had, and by God’s covenantal grace, many of us may not even remember a time when we did not know Christ. Nevertheless, all who have turned from ...Read More

Maligning Paul’s Character

Galatians 1:10

The context of Galatians 1:10 refutes any notion that Paul was a people-pleaser. Would a man concerned to win the acclaim of all people call down curses upon some of them (vv. 8–9)? Paul’s becoming “all things ...Read More

False Teachers Accursed

Galatians 1:8–9

Martin Luther’s comments on Galatians 1:8–9 illustrate Scripture’s relationship to tradition: “Here then is a plain text like a thunderbolt, wherein Paul subjects both himself and an angel from heaven, and all others, doctors, teachers, and ...Read More

Investing God’s Gift

Matthew 25:14–30

John Calvin says, “There will be no excuse of the indolence of those who both conceal the gifts of God, and waste their time in idleness.” Far too many professing Christians are content to sit around and not use their ...Read More

Architecture

1 Kings 6

Unlike the Jerusalem temple described in today’s passage, we do not have any new-covenant specifications for church architecture. Still, whether we build a cathedral or a building resembling a theater, people will get a sense of what we think ...Read More

The Dramatic Arts

Proverbs 2:1–15

The neopaganism promoted in today’s movies and television causes many believers to avoid these mediums altogether. While we must be careful about what we view, even drama can glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). Ezekiel, for example, acted out ...Read More

Images in Worship

Exodus 20:4–6

We have so far briefly discussed the beauty for which the priestly garments were made. These clothes reveal that we should be concerned with how we look and act when we worship the Lord. Of course, God does not require ...Read More

Literature

Philippians 4:8

We do not have to read pornographic material in order to find literary filth. How many novels, romantic or otherwise, contain scenes of an explicit nature? How many Christians believe they can read such things innocuously? How many of us ...Read More

Theology’s Handmaiden

Colossians 3:16

Today’s passage affirms the importance of music in our relationship to God. As we grow in our love for our Creator and in our knowledge of Him, we should not be surprised to find ourselves breaking forth in musical ...Read More

The Influence of Music

1 Samuel 16:14–23

The Psalmist implores us to “make a joyful noise” unto the Lord, but the context makes it clear he is using “noise” as a synonym for music (Ps. 95:1–2). God is pleased when we praise Him with music ...Read More

The Eye of the Beholder

Ecclesiastes 3:11a

The four standards of beauty all reflect God’s character. The Lord is simple — He is indivisible, each of His attributes affecting the others. God is complex, having many facets to His character. His creation exhibits proportionality: the abilities of ...Read More