Posts by Don Johnson
What Are We Missing in Our Bibles?
In a Biblical Archaeology Review (BAR) article,1 Ben Witherington III says, “First, we know that Pharisees — including Paul, as a former Pharisee — did indeed believe in a bodily resurrection as the form of future afterlife. This was based in part on a certain understanding of Daniel 12.1-3 and the development of thought that…
Read MoreOverturning Roe Isn’t Enough
All on the conservative side of politics, whether Christian or secular, take heart in the leaked Supreme Court document. It appears the document will form the basis of a hopeful decision soon forthcoming. The extreme reactions of some makes one wonder if the pressure will cause one justice or another to waver, but so far…
Read MorePreaching with Power, Redux
My recent article, “Are We Preaching with Power?,” kicked up some responses at Sharper Iron. The discussion was positive (a rarity on the internet), and it prompts this expansion of the theme. To review, the passage that prompts this thinking is Acts 24, where Felix becomes frightened when Paul preaches on righteousness, self-control, and the…
Read MoreAre We Preaching with Power?
When Paul preached to the Roman governor, Felix, the Bible says, “as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened.” (Acts 24.25) Paul’s preaching on these topics brought conviction to the heart. This response is in keeping with the Lord’s promise in Jn 6.8-11. In verse 8, Jesus says,…
Read More2022 Northwest Regional Fellowship
Our theme this year was “Revival.” Our speaker was Nathan Mestler, President of International Baptist College & Seminary of Chandler, AZ. On the theme, brother Mestler took Psalm 119 as our text for four very powerful messages. The introductory message worked up to this definition of revival: “When all that God’s Word is, is the…
Read MoreCan I Help the Christians of Ukraine?
I asked fellow board member Bud Steadman, the Executive Director of Baptist World Mission how Christians might be able to aide our brethren in the current crisis. Two BWM missionaries are coordinating efforts for relief. The BWM page is here. With permission, I copy the notices from that page below: Tiko Agamalian Family – Ukraine…
Read MoreTelling the Truth Online
One of the strangest of all the strange phenomena in our inter-connected new world is social media. According to Mr. Google, in January, 2022, Facebook had 2.912 BILLION users, with 1.929 MILLION Daily Users (I have to confess to being one). A quick check about Twitter shows 330 MILLION monthly active users. Then there are…
Read MoreRemembering Dr. Ed Nelson
From the Ed Nelson Evangelistic Association Facebook page: “Absent from the body… present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 On March 9, 2022 at 6:33 am, Edward John Nelson entered eternity. The God he served his entire life has finally called him Home. He fought the good fight, he finished his course, he kept the…
Read MoreIs it Time for Intellectuals to Talk about God?
A very interesting confession from a well-known liberal feminist, Naomi Wolf. Her spiritual background is some form of Judaism. You may or may not agree with much of what she says. (I don’t agree with her about the vaccines, but then maybe I don’t agree with you, either.) Nevertheless, as you get towards the end…
Read MoreHow Did the Apostle Paul Stand for His Rights?
Religious liberty still is much on our minds as some jurisdictions still face Covid restrictions on church services. We’ve talked about these matters before, and thankfully, in many places, the restrictions no longer exist or are beginning to relax. Nevertheless, we should still think about the topic, looking to the Scriptures for specific guidance and…
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