Posts by Josh Moody
Reflections on an Evangelical Becoming a Papist
The word “papist” has a distinctly “anti-Catholic” ring to it, and if you are immediately turned off from reading the rest of this article because of that word in the title—well, I apologize. But I chose that word “papist” to make it clear that the issue is not evangelicals becoming catholics. Evangelicals already are catholics;…
Read MoreReconsidering the Notion of “Justice” Within Evangelicalism Today
How do we define “Justice”? I have just finished a sermon series on the Book of Habakkuk. In that book, the prophet asks God two questions related to justice, and God answers each before the prophet is led to a prayer that culminates in joy. As I looked at the book, I of course asked…
Read MoreThe Forgotten Virtue of Christian Unity
Among Bible believing Christians, “unity” has often had something of a bad rap. It often feels as if it is a somewhat soft, inadequate, and weak ideal that is used by others (the non-Bible believing) to advocate for theological downgrade. It certainly can be used in that way. I remember a cartoon from the ministry…
Read MoreMental and Spiritual Health in a Time Such as This
Coming back from some time away this summer, it’s become increasingly obvious to me that many people—the world over, no doubt—are wrestling with mental health issues in this time, as well as spiritual health. The reasons for this are obvious but perhaps worth briefly listing. Prolonged isolation. Unending uncertainty. Increased political tensions. And then, on…
Read MoreAugust 26-31, 2020
In keeping with the Bible reading plan we are using, the last days of each month are designated as “free days.” August 26-31 then are intended to allow you to catch up on reading you may have missed or to study passages more in depth that intrigued you during the first 25 days of the month.…
Read MoreSome Reflections on an Unusual Week (and an Even More Unusual Year)
This week the steeple of College Church—the church that I pastor—was blown down by a tornado. I wrote about this on the day it happened and posted my thoughts on Facebook. You can read that here. The event itself made national news, which was something of a surprise to us all. And, the news media…
Read MoreJune 26-30, 2019
In keeping with the Bible reading plan we are using, the last days of each month are designated as “free days.” June 26-30 then are intended to allow you to catch up on reading you may have missed or to study passages more in depth that intrigued you during the first 25 days of the month.…
Read MorePhilippians 4:14-23: Partnership in the Gospel
2 Kings 24-25, Psalm 122, Luke 7:1-10, Philippians 4:14-23 Philippians 4:14-23: Paul concludes this letter as he has begun with an emphasis on “partnership in the gospel” (compare Philippians 1:5 with 4:15). What is partnership in the gospel and why is he so joyful? Partnership in the gospel begins with a real spiritual encounter with…
Read MorePhilippians 4:8-13: An Exhortation and an Example
2 Kings 22-23, Psalm 121, Luke 6:43-49, Philippians 4:8-13 Philippians 4:8-13: Paul here gives the Philippians (and us) two great pieces of advice – one by means of exhortation and the other by means of personal example. His exhortation is simple: what is true (honorable, just, pure, lovely – he keeps on heaping up the…
Read MorePhilippians 4:1-7: Five Ways to Develop Greater Biblical Unity
2 Kings 20-21, Psalm 120, Luke 6:37-42, Philippians 4:1-7 Philippians 4:1-7: Paul has given the Philippians a strong exhortation to Christian maturity and rejoicing in the Lord and continuing to strive for that which is heavenward for them in Christ Jesus. No resting on your laurels! How do you “stand firm in the Lord”? By…
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