Joseph’s treatment of his brothers — reflections and applications

Update: I have altered this post after receiving constructive criticism from Sister. 
I no longer agree with everything I wrote in the first version but am keeping the first version in the public domain as a PDF (link). It can also be found at the Web Archive — Barbara Roberts, April 16th, 2021 *** Joseph’s… Continue reading Joseph’s treatment of his brothers — reflections and applications

Wise as Serpents Digest

Pastor Jeff Crippen preached a 26-part sermon series called Wise as Serpents — A Practical Theology of Evil in which he focused on how we must be wise to evil and the ways of evildoers. The purpose is to expose evil in its practice. Also the method is not primarily to produce an academic, theoretical,… Continue reading Wise as Serpents Digest

Wise as Serpents: The End of All Evil (Part 26 – final – of sermon series)

We come to the conclusion of our study of the nature and tactics of evil, though we could certainly continue because the warnings and teachings of God’s Word concerning the kingdom of darkness are so prevalent. The Lord describes the Christian's life in this present world as like being a sheep in the middle of… Continue reading Wise as Serpents: The End of All Evil (Part 26 – final – of sermon series)

Wise as Serpents: If the Word You are Hearing Does not Set You Free, it is not the Word of God (Part 25 of Sermon Series)

God's truth brings believers into freedom. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) Evil distorts, perverts, twists and morphs the Word of God into a wicked counterfeit which traumatizes people… Continue reading Wise as Serpents: If the Word You are Hearing Does not Set You Free, it is not the Word of God (Part 25 of Sermon Series)

Wise as Serpents: Does the Christian Still Have an Evil Heart? (Part 24 of Sermon Series)

Question: Does the Christian, a regenerate person, a truly justified person, still have an evil heart? Lots of professing Christians reply to that question is, "Oh yes! Absolutely! The Christian still has an evil heart." We want to show you how that erroneous idea is being taught, and the devastating effect on people's lives because of getting the answer… Continue reading Wise as Serpents: Does the Christian Still Have an Evil Heart? (Part 24 of Sermon Series)

Wise as Serpents: Take the Lord’s Warnings About Evil Seriously (Part 23 of sermon series)

Peter had numerous encounters with Satan, but like most of us he was a slow learner. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to… Continue reading Wise as Serpents: Take the Lord’s Warnings About Evil Seriously (Part 23 of sermon series)

Wise as Serpents: Stop Being ‘Nice’ (Part 22 of sermon series)

So many of these modern preachers are much nicer people than the Apostle Paul!  They never say a word against anyone at all, they praise everybody, and they are praised by everybody.  They are never “negative”!  They never define what they believe and what they do not believe.  They are said to be “full of… Continue reading Wise as Serpents: Stop Being ‘Nice’ (Part 22 of sermon series)