Posts by Jim Elliff
This is WHAT Day the Lord Has Made?
This Is WHAT Day the Lord Has Made? Jim Elliff When we quote or sing “This is the day the Lord has made,” we aren’t saying that this very day, the day we are in presently, is the day the Lord has made. That is true, of course, but it isn’t what Psalm 118: 22-24 is about. Rather, something much more important is being said. Read it closely: “The stone which the builders rejectedHas become the chief corner stone.This is…
The Scriptures, Christotelic
When the forlorn disciples met up with Jesus following His resurrection, it made the short trip from Jerusalem to Emmaus much more pleasant. Before revealing who He was and that indeed the Christ was alive from the dead, Jesus talked with them as a fellow pilgrim in life—but one who had extensive knowledge about the Scriptures. We find this story in Luke 24. He rebukes them, but more as a human like them who is confounded that these men do…
Indian Night
I wrote this one early morning while teaching outside of Mumbai, thinking about the devastation due to mosquito-born illnesses. We had talked about those persistent pests when there, who buzz near your ear to let you know they are in control. That buzz may stir you. But what is stirring on a different level and in a different way is the massive number of people who die from the royal mosquito. His buzz is the sound of war. He’s potentate…
The Coasting Christian: A Letter From Jim
Dear CCW family, My beloved father-in-law had a curious habit of turning off his car engine to coast into his garage. I was always amused by this unique practice. Maybe it was done to save gas (they were a frugal couple) or, more likely, to keep fumes out of the garage, or perhaps just to humor his son-in-law. But it made an impression. Now that I’m clicking off more years (just like you, by the way), I can imagine why…
How and When Will All Israel Be Saved?
And so all Israel will be saved. Romans 11:26 This phrase has often stymied students of the New Testament, and has been a verse with many interpretations. I offer mine. To adamantly conclude that I have the right one, or even one that has not been proposed by others is presumptuous. What I’m offering is merely from my Bible reading and not from diligently studying other authors on the subject, so I could likely be repeating what another has said.…
God Doesn’t Need You
“He is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17 Paul on Mars Hill in Athens proclaimed the entire self-sufficiency of God. We are his body, it is true, which is the fullness or completion of the Head. He uses us. But he needs nothing from us. Let that sink in. We do not add to him in any way, but rather, he gives…
The Rural Church Dilemma
Some time ago I drove to several small towns in rural Arkansas with my 89 year old father and my siblings, tracking the steps of the ministry of both my dad and his father. The experience was memorable. We visited small towns that even Arkansans might not recognize today: Cotter, Caledonia, Hagersville, Greenwood, LaVaca—twelve in all. These were the places where my father, and his father, labored for Christ 90-100 years ago. Much has changed in the landscape of rural…
DO Something When You Are Maligned
When stressed through the ill-will or stinging insults and persistent opposition by someone who wants to cause you trouble, we know there is something to think. We are to think the truth about God and ourselves. We don’t take their evaluation as true, but only God’s. Also, we are to think of God’s loving and purposeful sovereignty over his children, meaning that difficulties can bring about good results in character and progress for the gospel. But there is also something…
On the Nose of Jabawanga
I long to see my grandchildren become Warrior Kings for the Lord. Here is a poem written to one of them. Look carefully and you can see the nose and a future warrior standing there.
The Gospel and Divine Visitation—An Indivisible Union
It was spring in 1630. A few ladies were traveling through the Scottish countryside near Shotts when their carriage broke down. Thankfully the minister of the Kirk of Shotts, John Home, was able to assist them in their predicament. Struck with the poor condition of his manse, these wealthy Christian ladies determined to build another one for this kind man. Naturally, the grateful Home asked if he could do anything in exchange for their generosity. The ladies asked if they…
Christ’s Headship in the Church: The Neglected First Principle of Decision-making
I may seem naïve and overly simplistic when I say that Christ is the Head of the church and that this one fact, properly understood, will do more to clear up confusion over decision-making in the church than any other consideration. From this truth we are able to deduce that elders and members have one goal in decision-making—to find out what the Head of the church wills for His church. I don’t think most church leaders think this way. Starting…
Getting John 1:12 Right: Should You Invite Jesus Into Your Heart?
Is it useful to critique any person’s or ministry’s method of evangelism? For one thing, there are not enough people calling on others to follow Christ. Should I attempt to cripple anyone’s efforts in the slightest way, even for the few who might listen to me? I hope I will not. I would rather think that I’m improving our evangelism. And it does need improving. The apparent results of the method of evangelistic appeal built upon the verse in question…
“I Forgive Him”: The Potency of Forgivness
The wife of Charlie Kirk, Erika, said with much emotion that she forgives her husband’s assassin. “I forgive him” were words which powerfully impacted the thousands in the arena and millions streaming during the memorial service for her husband. She meant, of course, that she would not personally avenge herself of her husband’s blood. That would be God’s business. Surely the following passage of Scripture was in her mind: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.…
He Just Died: A Letter From Jim
Dear CCW family, “He just died.” “She just died.” These are words I’ve heard nearly every year of my adult life. I heard them this week. One day these very words will be said about me. When these words, sober and simple, are spoken, the report is not meant to say that death is all that happened. In other words, it isn’t supposed to convey that he merely died. No one just dies. There is so much more to it…
Jesus and Joseph
Like Jesus, Joseph was the special son of his father, beloved; like Jesus, Joseph was hated because his father loved him and because of his words and predictions of future authority; like Jesus, Joseph was plotted against; like Jesus, Joseph was stripped of a wonderful tunic, made bloody; like Jesus, Joseph was sold for silver; like Jesus, Joseph was taken to Egypt; like Jesus, Joseph was falsely accused; like Jesus, Joseph was given authority after humility; like Jesus, Joseph began…
The Last Act
Violence is the inevitable dénouement to pervading (especially sexual) corruption in society—the last act. God showed us that he hates it and that he will remove it justly when he comes again. Until then, seek to be like Noah. Live by faith in Christ our Savior, preach the gospel that cleanses from sin’s pollution and subdues its power, and wait patiently for his coming. “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And…