There are over fifty "one another" verses in Scripture (the exact number depends on your translation). One anothering describes how those in the kingdom of God function. It characterizes community, friendship, fellowship, koinonia. I decided to do a fresh study of these exhortations in scripture. Here are my observations.
community
Balance and the Center of Biblical Tension
My seminary president, Robertson McQuilkin, drilled into me a profound maxim: “It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.” More recently, this same concept was reiterated by my Bible study teacher, JoAnn Hummel: “You and others will benefit as you “hold the rope” of tension in the Scriptures.” The prophet Isaiah offers us many opportunities to put this guiding principle into practice since his writing contains much tension.
Moses’s Five Reasons Why Not and God’s Five Assurances
As I prepare for yet another opportunity to deliver God’s message, I am tempted again to fixate on my inadequacies. How ironic that the first message I ever delivered in front of my fellow Christian Education classmates was on Moses's call (Exodus 3–4) and his focus on “I am not” rather than “you are God.”
With All the Saints
I started this study of Paul's prayer because I wanted to explore his description of Christ's love. Finally, I have reached it. And I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people (the saints), to grasp how wide and long and high and deep … Continue reading With All the Saints
Rocks
The beach of Budva, Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea, left me breathless. Not a coral beach with shells and crabs like I am used to, but a beach composed of and covered in rocks. Rocks of such diversity and color. Black, brown, green, white, terra cotta, grey, lavender, and cream rocks. Lined, speckled, sparkly, rough, … Continue reading Rocks
Pondered Treasures 