by ernie | Sep 17, 2020 | Standfast Blog
The final chapter of James encourages us with the admonition to “be patient.” That is, “wait.” He refers us to several Old Testament heroes— including Job and Elijah— who were examples of actively enduring while patiently waiting. And he offers us this hope: we...
by ernie | Sep 10, 2020 | Standfast Blog
Whereas we tend to think that trouble comes from “out there,” James tells us to do something shocking: take a look in the mirror. In chapter 4, he outlines what worldliness look like, as well as what Godliness looks like. And, as James tends to be, he’s pretty “cut...
by ernie | Sep 3, 2020 | Standfast Blog
In chapter 3, James takes us from “invisible faith” (James 2) to “visible wisdom.” Turns out, wisdom is seen by her fruits… … and the “chief fruit” of wisdom is the words we say (and, of course, the ones we don’t say that we mutter under our breathe). Furthermore,...
by ernie | Aug 27, 2020 | Standfast Blog
In James 2 we discuss one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament: “Faith without works is dead” (2:26). What does James mean by this? We discover that true Biblical faith moves beyond objective facts to experiential reality. And, it turns out that...
by ernie | Aug 20, 2020 | Standfast Blog
This talk kicks off a 5-part series on the book of James. Join us as we walk through this 5-chapter powerhouse of a book, using the Keystones approach as our guide. In James 1, we learn about trials, trouble, and tribulation… … and we discover that James says we...
by ernie | May 7, 2020 | Standfast Blog
All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It’s all of value for all of life. Yet there are certain passages we tend to “fly-over,” to borrow a term from Bible teacher Bruce Wilkinson. That is, we often see numbers, genealogies, or farewells at the end of...
by ernie | Apr 30, 2020 | Standfast Blog
As lesson 3 begins, we reflect on when Scripture— and memorizing it— became important… For some of us… An activity (such as exercise, walking, or another time in which we could “stack” this on top of that) led us to do it. Our childhood- we were encouraged to do so...
![Reading the Bible “in all directions” + Colossians 2]()
by ernie | Apr 23, 2020 | Standfast Cast
In lesson 2 of the Colossians study, George talks about the importance of studying the Scripture. Thomas Chalmers had been a pastor for eight years before he discovered the riches of diving deep into the Word. Then, upon doing so, he determined to make the Bible the...
![Reading the Bible “in all directions” + Colossians 2]()
by ernie | Apr 16, 2020 | Standfast Cast
This January and February, Dr. Grant set aside 4 weeks to teach the Keystones at his church, Parish Presbyterian, during the “Sunday school” hour. Rather than just talking about the Keystones, however, he chose to lead them through the 4 chapters of Colossians to...
by ernie | Dec 19, 2019 | Standfast Cast
The final step of Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to memorize the key verse of the chapter we’re studying. We hide it in our heart, recognizing that memorized Scripture was the exclusive means people throughout history have had to carry the Word with them. As...
by ernie | Dec 12, 2019 | Standfast Cast
As we apply the Scriptures, we need to be able to see the Gospel in the text (Evangelii). Where is the pattern of redemption shown, the glory of grace extended, the promise of forgiveness established, and the merit of Jesus laid upon us? And, there’s this,...
by ernie | Dec 5, 2019 | Standfast Cast
Once you’ve reflected on the chapter AND spent time praying through it, it is now time to respond to it. (The Respond page of the Keystones includes Contemplatio, Evangelii, and Memoria.) We begin those three with Contemplatio, that is, apply. ...
by ernie | Nov 21, 2019 | Standfast Cast
After reading and discovering what the passage says, we move to prayer… In fact, we take time to stop to pray through the whole passage (Oratio). We might begin in several places… What is there to be thankful for here? How does this prompt us...
by ernie | Nov 14, 2019 | Standfast Cast
After reading the passage (Lectio), the second step in Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to think through what the chapter is teaching (Meditatio). What does it mean? How should it be understood? How should the passage be interpreted? Is it primarily indicative...
by ernie | Nov 7, 2019 | Standfast Cast
When you open the Keystones book, you’ll notice that there’s a two-page spread for each chapter of the Bible. The left side contains three Reflection steps; the right side contains three Respond steps. Over the next few talks, we’ll discuss each of...
by ernie | Oct 21, 2019 | Standfast Cast
Standfast The final step of Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to memorize the key verse of the chapter we’re studying. We hide it in our heart, recognizing that memorized Scripture was the exclusive means people throughout history have had to carry the Word with...
by ernie | Oct 14, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast As we apply the Scriptures, we need to be able to see the Gospel in the text (Evangelii). Where is the pattern of redemption shown, the glory of grace extended, the promise of forgiveness established, and the merit of Jesus laid upon us? And, there’s...
by ernie | Oct 7, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast Once you’ve reflected on the chapter AND spent time praying through it, it is now time to respond to it. (The Respond page of the Keystones includes Contemplatio, Evangelii, and Memoria.) We begin those three with Contemplatio, that is, apply. The...
by ernie | Sep 30, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast After reading and discovering what the passage says, we move to prayer… In fact, we take time to stop to pray through the whole passage (Oratio). We might begin in several places… What is there to be thankful for here? How does this prompt us...
by ernie | Sep 23, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast After reading the passage (Lectio), the second step in Divine Reading (Lectio Divina) is to think through what the chapter is teaching (Meditatio). What does it mean?. How should it be understood?. How should the passage be interpreted?. Is it primarily...
by ernie | Sep 16, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast When you open the Keystones book, you’ll notice that there’s a two-page spread for each chapter of the Bible. The left side contains three Reflection steps; the right side contains three Respond steps. Over the next few posts, we’ll discuss...
by ernie | Sep 9, 2019 | Standfast Blog
Standfast In the Scottish Reformed tradition, a modified version of the Medieval devotional practice of Lectio Divina, had long been practiced. This was originally a four-step approach to studying the Scriptures…—> first, Lectio or reading.—>...
by ernie | Jul 18, 2019 | Standfast Cast
Chalmers felt- It is not possible to maintain orthodoxy through induction. Instead, orthodoxy must naturally be deductive- rooted in the rightful elucidation of the Holy Scriptures. Herein is the first principle of ecclesiology. So, Chalmers endeavored to expose men...
by ernie | Jul 11, 2019 | Standfast Cast
In this episode, George reintroduces us to one of his heroes in the faith, Thomas Chalmers. And, he talks about a new project on the horizon- the Keystones project.
Here’s the background… Thomas Chalmers (March 17, 1780 – May 31, 1847) was born... 