Chief Shepherd

(UPDATED: Oct 28, 2009, originally published Jul 4, 2008) There is a tremendous disparity in our understanding of the doctrine of holiness and/or sanctification. The definition of those terms is a matter of debate among many teachers and preachers. It is also one of the primary differences between some major denominations. Many people today believe that no [...]

The New Testament Scriptures define the Source of authority. Romans 13:1 (KJV) speaks of “power” and “higher powers” and the fact that “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” The NIV translates the original Greek word here as “authority” rather than “power.” In the NIV the Scripture reads, “Everyone [...]

(Last update: Oct 4, 2009:  This is one of my all-time favorite articles/sermons. I just felt that it needed some “front-page” attention again so I have re-published it. I believe it will be a blessing. – Ray) I am embarrassed that in 40 years of dedicated Bible reading and study, I have often overlooked some of [...]

There is a VERY LIVELY discussion of this question that is going on on the Chief Shepherd FaceBook Page: http://facebook.com/chiefshep/ Check it out. Here are some of the highlights: Michael Johnson:  The Bible states the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, about their destruction for being wicked filled. But the Bible stresses and talks more about same sex [...]

Did he exceed his authority? What is authority? The word “authority” has many meanings in today’s language. Here are some of the definitions that I found on the web: the power or right to give orders or make decisions; “he has the authority to issue warrants”; “deputies are given authorization to make arrests … (usually plural) persons who exercise [...]

[/caption] Can a child have two biological mothers? Logically, one would immediately say “NO!” but the Washington Post reported that a lab in Oregon has accomplished this feat with rhesus monkeys. The article states, Scientists have produced monkeys with genetic material from two mothers…. Using cloning-related techniques, the researchers developed a way [...]

Updated on Oct 25, 2008. During my Bible Study time, I was reading in John chapter 3 when something “popped out” at me! In verse 23, the Scripture says, “Now Jesus was about thirty yeas old when he began his ministry.” Does that strike a note of interest in you? Or, maybe you have already examined [...]

Been reading a fascinating book called “The Post American World” by Fareed Zakaria on the change in worldview of America and its impact on the future. One of the things we tend to overlook is how global the world has become in the past 20 years. As an example, the major financial markets [...]

Some people have lucky charms or lucky numbers that they play in the lottery. Others feel “lucky” so they head off to the casino or other “game.” Seth Godin has written an article called “The Difficult Choice” considering the relative potential of luck and intentional actions. Godin was responding to a very negative comment to his [...]

(Last update on September 23, 2008) If I am right & we disagree, then you must be WRONG! That is a pretty consistent approach that most of us follow, isn’t it? In a recent post on Leadershipjournal.net, Author Phyllis Tickle (wrote the series of books on prayer titled, “The Divine Hours”) made some startling statements. One of [...]