I found myself reading this article this morning and highly recommend it. On my own and in parallel together with my wife I’ve been going through the MLJ sermons in Ephesians. These were preached of a period of some 5 years, and number almost 250.
His emphasis on Paul’s actual words and doctrine are evident. If you are up to it it’s a series that beats listening to today’s Podcasts….and is free on the MLJ.org site. Check it out.
One interesting example related to that is what I call “The Rest of the Story” about Martha and Mary. Usually we focus on the Luke 10 account and that is useful teaching that compares the two women. But it’s not the whole story. I always appreciate the longer conversation Jesus and Martha had we read in John’s Gospel:
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
Jhn 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Jhn 11:18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
Jhn 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Jhn 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Jhn 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Jhn 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Jhn 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Jhn 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jhn 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Jhn 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Jhn 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
That sounds exactly like what Peter said…
Matthew 16:15-16 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
From reading her material this woman writer does get things right on doctrine.
As for interesting doctrine, I suggest one read her earlier posts on this misunderstood and all but forgotten doctrine. Perhaps it is useful to see it from a woman’s perspective:
There is also a good discussion on the subject at:
Many today probably disagree…
If you want something safer to read. Mike Ratliff’s quote from Spurgeon can meet that requirement. But then again it’s one of those controversial “doctrines” in the Bible.
Just Read John 6 to confirm that.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
and just to confirm that Jesus said it a second time.
John 6:64-69 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Rainbow Trout 