The title of this article might lead you to think that I am about to provide some autobiographical insights. In a sense, I hope that is true. If I am correct that the world needs a certain kind of nerd, then I want to be one. And I want you to be one. At the risk of sounding like a disgruntled and out-of-touch old man, I have to say it: I wonder if there has ever been an era … [Read more...]
Don’t Waste Your Life (Ephesians 5:18)
In our previous study of Ephesians, we examined quite deliberately the opening half of this verse. Though not being drunk with wine is not the main point of the passage, nevertheless, understanding this exhortation is paramount if we will understand the importance of the second half of the verse and all that follows. In essence, what Paul is saying is that, now that we are … [Read more...]
Good News!
What a week it’s been! Since last Thursday’s “night of the long knives,” South Africa has been battered on the financial markets, downgraded to junk status by one financial institution, moved to a vote of no confidence concerning our State President, called upon to sign petitions for the removal of the President, and exhorted to wear black as a sign of mourning. As I write, … [Read more...]
Normal Expectations (Luke 2:40)
The conception of the Lord Jesus Christ was abnormal. He was conceived in the womb of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). But His birth came about in the normal way and, despite apocryphal accounts, His boyhood was also normal. In the third-century apocryphal book, The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ, several accounts are recorded about Jesus as … [Read more...]
The Dynamics of Change (Ephesians 4:22–24)
I was recently surprised to receive an email from my father. It was a simple message: “I'm so happy to share it with you! It’s absolutely amazing!” It contained a link and was signed, “Donald Van Meter.” I say I was surprised because my dad died a year and a half ago. I doubt that people bother with email while they are in heaven enjoying the presence of the Lord of … [Read more...]