Tag Archives: Jeffrey Smith

06 Jan

The Hall of Faith: Gideon

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Jeff Smith | Manassas, Virginia

This is the eighth article in the Hall of Faith series and considers Gideon, the fifth judge of Israel. Thus far the series has considered twelve of those mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven. Gideon is the first in the list of faithful that the author didn’t take the time to describe in detail (Hebrews 11:32). That list includes five judges, King David, and all the prophets. Truly it would take many words to highlight all their individual acts of faith. The Hebrew writer only gave Gideon an “honorable mention.” Let us dive into the heroic acts of this valiant warrior, as the angel of the Lord referred to him (Judges 6:12). Read More →

10 Oct

What is “the Mystery” in the New Testament?

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeff Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

The most likely association made when “mystery” is mentioned is to the mystery literary genre. We think of authors like Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and G. K. Chesterton, and their famous fictional sleuths, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Father Brown. Their characters are artfully crafted. Plots are intricately woven. Facts are strategically and stingily meted to keep the reader guessing “who done it” until the great reveal at the climax of the work. Although popular and entertaining, this is not Biblical mystery.

“Mystery” may also suggest mysticism. Practitioners of Mysticism seek to become one with God, often through some sort of altered consciousness that may be drug induced. Ironically, such religions maintain that true knowledge is unattainable, or nearly so. Mystics teach that it is important to grasp for and grapple with lofty ideals. Disciples are locked in a closed loop of ever-reaching for an ever-elusive goal. This is not biblical mystery, either. Read More →

08 Oct

Not Peace But A Sword

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeffrey Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

Peace on Earth?
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds led a chorus of angels in saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

So, the promise of peace on earth is intimately connected with our Lord and Savior. That is why we are taken aback when Jesus later said he did not come to bring peace.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” (Matthew 10:34-36, ESV)

Which is it? Peace, or no peace? War, or peace? Or both?

To better understand Jesus’ attitude and actions toward peace it helps to develop a robust definition of peace and the areas to which it applies. Read More →