Author: John Rains

The Greatest Commandment: Understanding the Decalogues and the New Covenant

October 10, 2024 0

I recently revisited my post from the 2024 Easter Sunrise Service, where I mentioned two different sets of Ten Commandments (decalogues). At the time, I noted “a completely different (and less familiar) set of commandments that I cannot explain, and this is not about exegesis.” The context was that the Ten Commandments we are most…

By John Rains

Living Christian Ethics

September 29, 2024 0

Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about living a Christian life – Ephesians 4:17-32 In this passage, Paul highlights the radical transformation that comes with life in Christ. Paul calls believers to reject the old way of living—a life marked by sin, futility, and separation from God—and instead embrace their new identity, which reflects…

By John Rains

In memoriam: Shannon “Renee” Gray

September 23, 2024 2

December 8, 1984 – August 30, 2024 Funeral Service September 22, 2024 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [NIV] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with…

By John Rains

The Peril of Hypocrisy for Modern-Day Christians

August 18, 2024 0

Hypocrisy is a persistent spiritual danger that has threatened believers throughout history, and it remains a potent threat to modern-day Christians. At its core, hypocrisy involves pretending to hold virtues, beliefs, or standards that one does not genuinely possess, especially when criticizing others for failing to uphold those same standards. For Christians, who are called…

By John Rains

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.

July 29, 2024 0

The book of Numbers, chapter 14, verse 18 [NIV], encapsulates the profound and multifaceted nature of God’s character. It highlights two key attributes: His abundant love and His justice. Let’s explore the significance of this verse in a deeper context. The Lord’s Patience and Abundant Love This opening statement speaks to God’s immense patience and…

By John Rains