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03
Oct
2022

We Don’t Know The Devil’s Name

Devil's Name

If you ask anyone what the Devil’s name is, they will almost certainly respond that it is Satan, Lucifer, or perhaps Beelzebub. This is what Bible teachers and Hollywood alike teach us, so it is understandable that most people will give one or all of these answers. However, this is a case where Bible teachers and Hollywood both got it wrong. In reality, the Bible never tells us what the devil’s personal name is.

Someone may say, “Not so fast! Both Job and Isaiah mention the devil’s name and the gospels mention Beelzebub.” It is true that these “names” are in the Bible, but there is more to the story. Let’s take a look at some of the passages where people think the Bible reveals the devil’s name.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Misconceptions
26
Sep
2022

The Older Shall Serve The Younger

Older Shall Serve The Younger
Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing

The Jewish people owe their existence to two miracles which took place in the first two generations of Israel’s patriarchs. Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was unable to have children. God miraculously enabled her to conceive Isaac at the age of 90! Like her mother-in-law, Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, was also barren. God intervened allowing her to conceive Esau and Jacob (Gen 25:21-22). Her two sons struggled with each other in her womb leading her to inquire of God. God said, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” (Gen. 25:23 ESV).

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Genesis
19
Sep
2022

Eastward: Away From The Land Of Blessing

Land Of Blessing
Image by Pexels from Pixabay

As Abraham’s life drew to a close, he sent his sons who were not part of the covenant away. He sent them eastward, away from the land of blessing. 

5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country. 7 These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. (Gen. 25:5–8 ESV)

He wisely did this while he was still alive so that there would be no disputing what his will was. Abraham didn’t want his sons who were not part of the covenant to be near Isaac. He removed them from any presumed position of privilege. 

Why east?

Genesis specifically says that Abraham sent the sons of his concubines eastward. Why is this detail included? The narrative could have just said that he sent them away without providing a direction. When Moses wrote Genesis, was there something about moving east that he wanted us to pay attention to? Indeed there was:

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in Genesis
12
Sep
2022

Does The Bible Allow Women Deacons?

Women Deacons

Can women serve as deacons? Does the Bible have anything to say about women deacons? As a matter of fact, the New Testament does mention a woman who was a deacon:

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. (Rom. 16:1 NIV)

At first glance, one might conclude from this verse that the Bible authorizes women deacons. However, we’d be irresponsible Bible students if we were to jump to that conclusion just from reading this verse.

Most English translations do not use the word deacon in Romans 16:1. Instead, they use servant which is what the word deacon actually means. If English Bibles were consistent in translation, we’d never see the word deacon in the Bible; we’d only see servant. So, was Phoebe a servant in the same sense that all Christians are servants of God? Or, was Phoebe specifically appointed to be a designated servant in the church (like in Acts 6)?

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership, Women
05
Sep
2022

Who May Serve As A Deacon?

Serve As A Deacon

Deacons are servants in the church. While the primary focus of deacons is not spiritual, deacons must be spiritually minded. Just because someone is dedicated to the church and is a dependable, hard working person, this alone does not qualify a person to serve as a deacon. The Bible does not allow just anyone to be a pastor. Likewise, it does not allow just anyone to be a deacon.

1 Timothy 3:8 begins listing the requirements of deacons. The word “likewise” in v. 8 connects the biblical requirements of deacons with the previous list of requirements for overseers. Several of the same concepts and character traits the Bible requires of overseers are equally applicable to deacons. Just as overseers must be dignified and worthy of respect, so it is to be for deacons. In addition, God expects them to have self control in the areas of speech, alcohol, and money.

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Posted by Eddie Lawrence in 1 Timothy, Church Leadership