Ordinarily when we speak of discipline, it is just a gentler way of saying punishment. Discipline, these days has an almost completely negative connotation. In reality, at least in biblical trerms, discipline always carries a positive connotation. Much of what we consider “learning” would have fallen in the category of discipline in biblical times. I […]
Category Archives: Father Knows Best
“Behold the Lamb of God” this is said during the ministration of communion and other places in the bible; what does Behold mean as used in the bible?
In English usage the word behold is a bit archaic, or old fashioned. But it is a useful word in that it expresses an idea that is bigger than it might first appear. Behold means to look at something, but beyond that it means to examine that something in order to understand it. The word […]
Why did God flood the world?
Here is the account as written in genesis. Gen 6:5-13 5 The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart […]
Why did Christ need to be baptized if he was without sin and God’s son?
What a good question. The short answer is contained within the question. For the most part, Christ did not need to be baptized, at least not for the reasons that we usually become baptized members of the Church. So, why do we, regular human being become baptized? We have three reasons for being baptized: for […]
What does the bible say about a person who has lived a selfish, self-centered, self-serving and self-loving life? Is it sinful?
Wow. What a question. I have a few observations to make. First, the question asks “What does the bible say…” I could do a search in a bible concordance and list everywhere the word “selfish” occurs, but that wouldn’t really do much. The fact is that the entire bible speaks to the relationship between ourselves […]
What is a good habit I can do to support and help me with my faith?
This may sound terribly self-serving, but I do not intend it to be so. I genuinely believe this advice to be true. The best support that a person can have in their faith-life is regular and committed active participation in a conventional and sacramental local Church community. Let me break that statement down for you. […]
If we are already saved, why do so many people continue to do good works; is it to add to their salvation?
Let me start by making it as clear as I can, Salvation is a free gift from God. We cannot do anything to deserve salvation. It is not possible for us to earn salvation no matter how many or how great our deeds are. Because Jesus Christ has entered our lives and our hearts he […]
I read somewhere that there is a practice or technique that invites the peace of mind that Christ offers? Is that true?
I am probably not the person to ask this question. I have an instant gut-level dislike for what I call Cookbook Spirituality. Are there devotional practices that can help a Christian grow in their spirituality. I believe that there are. But I caution people, just following some practice does not necessarily mean that you will […]
In the Anglican prayer book, at Communion, when the priest breaks the bread, there are two Fraction statements that the Celebrant can choose from (BCP p.118). Can you explain why you prefer one over the other?
There is an old saying that I learned in seminary. Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi. It is Latin and it means “What we say, we believe. Our Prayer Book is an excellent example of that old saying. If you want to find out what Anglicans believe, all you have to do is study the prayer book. […]
This Sunday begins Advent. Do you have any advice for me as a Christian as I prepare for Christmas.
Advent is the season of waiting. It is about looking with anticipation for the coming of Christ. Primarily, that means His second coming before the Last Day. But it is also useful to exercise our patience as we await His “coming” at Christmas. We are not good at waiting. We want to get what we […]