Posts by Thomas Overmiller
Ambushed by Ambition
Ambushed by Ambition John 19:1-16 Around the same time that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, another boy was born on the faraway untamed Iberian Peninsula (which we call Spain and Portugal today).1 He was an ordinary countryside boy who dreamed of grander things. Perhaps he played with little toy soldiers in the dirt outside his…
Read MorePopular Misconceptions about the Birth of Jesus
At the perfect time in history, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be born of a virgin to save us from our sins (Gal. 4:4). But not everything we say about this crucial moment in history is true. Here are six such fast facts (or “un-facts”) about the birth of Christ. Did Mary ride…
Read MoreThe Christian Mission
Our Twofold Task for the Ages Productivity apps, gurus, journals, and training courses are in high demand because we live in a busy, distracted age. Our task lists are long, and even super-organized, but how many of our tasks are important or necessary? How many prevent us from doing what may be the most important…
Read MoreDoing God’s Work Together
Titus 3:12-15 At the risk of over-stereotyping, please allow me to suggest that typical Midwestern Americans (and Americans in general) tend to function in an individualistic way. We keep to ourselves, rely on ourselves, and interact with other people to a limited degree. This individualistic lifestyle contrasts with the more social, relational, and community-oriented lifestyle…
Read MoreWhat Is an “Open Door?”
When Christians speak about open doors, we often mean something different than when Scripture uses this phrase. In Scripture, “open doors” usually refers to – well, um – open doors, as in actual doors opening to a temple, house, tent, prison, or even a bathroom. But Paul uses this concept four times as a metaphor…
Read MoreGod’s Grace in the Past, Present, and Future
At some point in life, many people pause to evaluate their physical health and fitness. This personal checkpoint occurs sooner for some and later for others. If we’re wise, we look for a diet, medicine, supplement, or routine that offers more than a momentary, temporary solution. We want an approach that will heal ailments from…
Read MoreA Right View of the Law
After a lengthy discussion of the need for and basis of justification by grace through faith in Christ (i.e., salvation or conversion), Paul now explains how this same truth should transform our mindset and lifestyle as Christians (i.e., sanctification or Christian growth). The believer’s close identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection places him or…
Read MoreThe Compounding Effect of Marital Arguments
When we get away from biblical thinking, fail to communicate with our spouse, and blame one another for our failures, we lay groundwork for increased marriage problems in the future. That’s what happened in Eden and this residual outcome continues for us today. Consider the following ways that this can play out. Raising children becomes…
Read MoreThinking About Deacons (Part Five)
[Our friend and frequent contributor, Thomas Overmiller, is working through a series of studies on the office of deacon. He is posting these as short studies, we are combining several posts into this post. We hope it is profitable for you. See part one, part two, part three, part four. – Editor.] Deacons in the…
Read MoreThinking About Deacons (Part Four)
[Our friend and frequent contributor, Thomas Overmiller, is working through a series of studies on the office of deacon. He is posting these as short studies, we are combining several posts into this post. We hope it is profitable for you. See part one, part two, part three. – Editor.] Deacons in the Church: Benevolent…
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